Conversion problems?

[Dollydaydream11]

I have a drs appt on Monday to review my Levothyroxine dose, I’ve had bloods done through medichecks as my gp only does TSH level each time.. are my levels ok? Would selenium be good to take every day to try and help conversion? I’ve only been on Levothyroxine since mid December.. TIA

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Previous post showing good vitamin levels

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

As you have Hashimoto's

Are you on strictly gluten free diet?

Or tried it?

Or dairy free

Yes some people find selenium supplements can help improve conversion of FT4 to FT3

Do you Always take Levo on empty stomach and then nothing apart from water for at least an hour after?

Many take early morning, on waking, but it may be more convenient and possibly more effective taken at bedtime.

verywell.com/should-i-take-...

Other medication at least 2 hours away, some like HRT, iron, calcium, vitamin D or magnesium at least four hours away from Levothyroxine

Do you always get same brand of Levothyroxine?

Many people find Levothyroxine brands are not interchangeable.

Once you find a brand that suits you, best to make sure to only get that one at each prescription. Watch out for brand change when dose is increased or at repeat prescription.

Many patients do NOT get on well with Teva brand of Levothyroxine. Though it is the only one for lactose intolerant patients

[Dollydaydream11 in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you for replying.. I have Hashimoto’s and I’ve been gf since October and opt for lactose free dairy products most of the time and I don’t drink milk..

I take my Levothyroxine at bedtime and take all my supplements throughout the day.. I’m on my third different levo as I can’t find one that doesn’t give me side effects.. Wockhardt gave me an insanely itchy scalp and painful joints and Teva gave me a chronic headache, I tried Teva as pharmacist thought it may have been the lactose causing symptoms with Wockhardt brand.. I’m now on Mercury Pharma and so far so good although my head itches a little, I’m about 10 days in with Mercury Pharma ..

I’m B12d and so do my own injections every other day and take cofactors..

My skin is still dry and my hair still comes out more than average..

fed up with feeling not right, my back is in agony and I generally hurt all over with muscle stiffness.. first diagnosis was fibromyalgia

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Dollydaydream11]

Magnesium flakes in the bath once or twice a week may help improve skin and may help vitamin D too

sciencedaily.com/releases/2...

Hair loss can be low ferritin or possibly low zinc

thyroidpharmacist.com/artic...

Yes I find Mercury Pharma suits me best.

[Dollydaydream11 in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you, I take magnesium malate in the morning and glycinate in the afternoon, I do have magnesium flakes but admit I only soak maybe once a fortnight at the moment..

I’ve actually just started taking a zinc and copper combo supplement as heard it can help, fingers crossed..

Thank you for the links, I’ll have a read through.. just at a loss as to what to try next.. if I could get rid of the pain I’d actually feel quite good..

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Dollydaydream11]

Not sure about copper

greygoose might know

[Dollydaydream11 in reply to SlowDragon]

I was told it’s a cofactor of zinc.. hopefully grey goose can advise thank you

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Dollydaydream11]

Read the "precautions " section here on copper

thyroidpharmacist.com/artic...

[greygoose in reply to SlowDragon]

Zinc and copper need to be balanced, about 8-15 mg zinc to 1 mg copper. But, hypos are often low in zinc, which means they're probably high in copper. In which case, taking more copper is not a good idea - excess copper is not good. Especially as copper and zinc compete for absorption in the small intestine. So, best to get tested for both before supplementing. And don't just assume that if you need to take one, you automatically need to take the other.

In any case, just taking things because you 'heard it can help', is not a good way of going about supplmentation. Things will only help if you need them - more is not better. In fact, more can be dangerous - it is with copper. Which is why testing levels is a good idea. Or, at least look up the symptoms of deficiency to see if they correspond to your symptoms.

[Dollydaydream11 in reply to greygoose]

Thank you, I’ll see if medichecks offer tests for both

[greygoose in reply to Dollydaydream11]

You're welcome.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Dollydaydream11]

Suggest you retest levels in another 6-8 weeks

If FT3 remains low then look at getting small dose of T3 prescribed

DIO2 gene test can help in persuading NHS to prescribe T3

This is a common gene variation

Medically recognised test including compulsory counselling

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

Wider DNA testing. Sometimes on offer at £99

Only educational, no counselling

bluehorizonmedicals.co.uk/t...

[Dollydaydream11 in reply to SlowDragon]

Thanks for info, I’ve mentioned to my gp before about t3, asked if I can’t convert will I get prescribed it and he said no :/

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Dollydaydream11]

A GP is no longer able to initiate prescribing of T3

Clinical need for T3 must be confirmed by an NHS endocrinologist

Email Dionne at Thyroid Uk for list of recommended thyroid specialists, includes NHS endocrinologists

Many CCG's are trying to ban prescribing, due to cost. Brighton has completely banned. Norfolk, Essex and Surrey resist.

Search your CCG area prescribing details here

openprescribing.net/analyse...