Can someone tell me why thyroid jumps around - Thyroid UK

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Can someone tell me why thyroid jumps around

sbadd profile image
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These are my results im on 75mg thyroxine for underactive thyroid, my antibodies are high on thyroid, i just received b12 injections in jan loading doses as levels were low, had horendous side effects from b12 and now 4 months on my iron levels have dropped from normal in dec 16 range 10-30

To 8.6, have halfed, on iron supps atm 10 days in but am experiencing all side effects of underactive thyroid, particularly most muscle weakness and fatigue, which came on after b12 injections, have also just had a period within 2 half weeks of last, i am 43 and this has never happened ? Wondering if my thyroid or maybe pre menopause, any advice would be helpful? ?

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SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator

Low B12 and low iron levels are common with autoimmune thyroid disease diagnosed by high Thyroid antibodies

Just testing TSH and FT4 is completely inadequate

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 plus both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested. Also extremely important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12

Recommended on here that all thyroid blood tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and fasting. This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, best not mentioned to GP or phlebotomist)

Ask GP to test folate, vitamin D

Private tests are available. Thousands on here forced to do this as NHS often refuses to test FT3 or antibodies or all vitamins

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

Medichecks Thyroid plus ultra vitamin or Blue Horizon Thyroid plus eleven are the most popular choice. DIY finger prick test or option to pay extra for private blood draw. Both companies often have special offers, Medichecks usually have offers on Thursdays, Blue Horizon its more random

If antibodies are high this is Hashimoto's, (also known by medics here in UK more commonly as autoimmune thyroid disease).

About 90% of all hypothyroidism in Uk is due to Hashimoto's.

Low vitamins are especially common with Hashimoto's. Food intolerances are very common too, especially gluten. So it's important to get TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested at least once .

Link about thyroid blood tests

thyroiduk.org/tuk/testing/t...

Link about antibodies and Hashimoto's

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

List of hypothyroid symptoms

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator

On Levothyroxine the aim is to increase the dose slowly in 25mcg steps upwards until TSH is under 2. Many people need TSH under one.

FT4 in top third of range and FT3 at least half way in range

All four vitamins need to be optimal

Recommended on here that all thyroid blood tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and fasting. Last Levothyroxine dose should be 24 hours prior to test, (taking delayed dose immediately after blood draw). This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, best not mentioned to GP or phlebotomist)

See GP and request 25mcg dose increase in Levothyroxine

Official NHS guidelines saying TSH should be between 0.2 and 2.0 when on Levothyroxine

(Many of us need TSH nearer 0.2 than 2.0 to feel well)

See box

Thyroxine replacement in primary hypothyroidism

pathology.leedsth.nhs.uk/pa...

Your antibodies are high this is Hashimoto's, (also known by medics here in UK more commonly as autoimmune thyroid disease).

Hashimoto's affects the gut and leads to low stomach acid and then low vitamin levels

Low vitamin levels affect Thyroid hormone working

Poor gut function can lead leaky gut (literally holes in gut wall) this can cause food intolerances. Most common by far is gluten. Dairy is second most common.

According to Izabella Wentz the Thyroid Pharmacist approx 5% with Hashimoto's are coeliac, but over 80% find gluten free diet helps, sometimes significantly. Either due to direct gluten intolerance (no test available) or due to leaky gut and gluten causing molecular mimicry (see Amy Myers link)

Changing to a strictly gluten free diet may help reduce symptoms, help gut heal and slowly lower TPO antibodies

Ideally ask GP for coeliac blood test first or buy test online for under £20, just to rule it out first

Assuming test is negative you can immediately go on strictly gluten free diet

(If test is positive you will need to remain on high gluten diet until endoscopy, maximum 6 weeks wait officially)

Trying gluten free diet for 3-6 months. If no noticeable improvement then reintroduce gluten and see if symptoms get worse

chriskresser.com/the-gluten...

amymyersmd.com/2018/04/3-re...

thyroidpharmacist.com/artic...

scdlifestyle.com/2014/08/th...

drknews.com/changing-your-d...

restartmed.com/hashimotos-g...

sbadd profile image
sbadd in reply to SlowDragon

Thankyou

SilverAvocado profile image
SilverAvocado

Sbadd, these thyroid panel results show you are undermedicated. Most people on Levothyroxine will need a freeT4 right at the top of the range or slightly over to feel well. Usually the TSH will also be right at the bottom of the range or suppressed.

Ideally you'd want to see a freeT3, result, too. Once you close in on your optimal dose you'll want to see freeT3 to make sure that is quite high in range.

Doctors will often keep us undermedicated :( The first step is to push for a 25mcg increase.

Edit: Almost forgot to say, vitamins must also be optimal for the body to make good use of thyroid hormone.

sbadd profile image
sbadd in reply to SilverAvocado

Thankyou

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