How to help regulate thyroid : Having had a... - Thyroid UK

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How to help regulate thyroid

Gcstewart profile image
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Having had a nightmare journey following a very traumatic accident which sent my thyroid from under active to over active it took me 18 months to stabilise it. It was horrific as I was unable to sleep for weeks on end and anxiety levels were sky high. I wanted to share my journey and how I got things back on track. I always insist on mercury pharma brand as others don’t suit me. I had tests every 6-8 weeks to track my T3 and T4 and very slowly adjusted my levo accordingly. It was a long road but I can’t emphasise enough how important healthy eating, regular exercise and yoga help with this condition. Even if you feel terrible get out there in nature as much as possible. Stick to natural foods. Be kind to yourself and try a meditation app.

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Gcstewart
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Hi......My TSH normal but T4 low and T3 very low.....would these affect sleep & anxiety levels?? I don't know if thyroid esp T3 taken a hammering because I panicked about sleep disruption ... or whether wonky thyroid hormones caused the wonky sleep and anxiety. You've experienced both ends of the spectrum so wondered what your thoughts are. My GP is assuming it isn't thyroid related. I have recco from private GP to take 1/2 grain NDT but I am worried it could cause problems if I don't have a "real" thyroid issue...just a stress induced one. Plus I am an ex Cushings patient and whilst my adrenals were ok before this I am concerned they aren't happy either. In a pickle. How did you get by on the no sleep?? Mine getting worse not better. I am also working on acceptance approach to anxiety and sleep...but sleep got worse since I started that! Thanks, sorry for garbling. Jo x

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Gcstewart in reply to

Yes unbalanced thyroid affects sleep and anxiety. Under active makes you sleepy, overactive stops you sleeping and makes you anxious. The very best thing for hormone regulation is regular exercise and a healthy diet but you do need levothyroxine as well and the right amount

Gcstewart profile image
Gcstewart

Hi Jo, it is very important that you don’t go without sleep for too long as I did because the repercussions were horrendous. I would strongly advise using sleeping pills every now and again to try to ensure sleep. Start by trying over the counter such as sominex and phenergen and herbal such as valerian, and alternate them. If no luck then ask GP to prescribe a short course of zopiclone. I don’t like taking them but sleep is a must. Take a very good look at your diet and cut out alcohol and caffeine and sugar. Force yourself to exercise. Make sure you are on right dose of levothyroxine so get a private TSH/T4/T3 done and keep monitoring. It’s a vicious circle because no sleep can cause stress and anxiety and affect your thyroid so all a delicate balance

in reply to Gcstewart

Thx. Yep.... tried lots. I'm on mirtazapine & melatonin but not proving consistently effective. My t3&4 low indicating hypo. Got a private report done. Will start supplements. Everything else you suggest I am doing. Not on any thyroid meds yet. Feel anxious in case the issue is just my reaction to not sleeping! Thank you for responding. Xxx

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