Are there any benefits of taking a vitamin D supplement while on carbimazole for overactive thyroid (Graves Disease)?
Ever since I've started on carbimazole I've had problems dealing with depression and anger issues that hits me from nowhere. Generally feeling unwell, as if something is just bugging me. I've read this medication affects the immune system. So do vitamins, Vitamin D or anything else improve these problems?
Thanks in advance
Yes VitD is helpful - have you been tested ? A month ago members responded to your post but sadly no answers from you regarding tests and results .. 😊
Sorry about that I've been really forgetful and I am not sure which results I need to post.
Currently on carbimazole 7.5mg and FreeT3 is 1.97 Pg/ml,
Free T4 is 0.65
TSH is 3.820 miu/ml
Great - thanks 😊 Do youhave the ranges ? - as labs do vary. Are you in the UK or US ? Your TSH does not suggest you are Hyper at the moment. Which anti-bodies were tested ? Sorry for the questions ...
Not in US or UK, in india actually.
T3 range 2.0-4.4
T4 range 0.80-2.0
TSH 0.35- 5.50
.
When I was originally diagnosed with Graves my results were:
Free T3 32.2pmol/L ,range: 3.1-6.8
Free T4 90.0 pmol/L , range 12.0-22.0
TSH 0.01 miU/L range 0.3-4.3
TSH receptor antibody 6.69 U/L
Reference: negative : < 1.5, intermediate: 1.5-1.75
Positive: > 1.75 U/L
Hello!
Vitamin D will help with your bones, as Graves can cause osteoporosis. I have been taking vitamin D with 500 mg for some time and also while I was on Tapazole for the two years I was on it. The anger and depression are also symptoms of Graves (“Graves anger”) - I had some of the same issues on and off before my TT 15 weeks ago because of a rapidly growing goiter and cold nodule that was compressing my windpipe and vocal cords. It’s a very tough disease to deal with.
You are right, the drug can affect your immune system. I myself had no side effects at all when I was on Tapazole - neither liver nor immune system - unfortunately, I just became resistant to it.
You haven’t posted your blood work (thyroid panel and antibodies) so it’s also hard to assess your overall situation. Are you being monitored every 2-3 months for the drug side effects with blood work?
Wishing you all the best and hope you feel better.
I haven't talked to my endo about the "feeling" part of the difficulties i.e the anger and anxiety which is the only issue I am most bothered with. I somehow just can't bring myself to talk about it when face to face with anyone. I feel like I am just cowardly and weak that those episodes hit me every now and then.
Currently on carbimazole 7.5mg and FreeT3 is 1.97 Pg/ml,
Free T4 is 0.65
TSH is 3.820 miu/ml
These are the latest investigation results
*Latest in the sense 9th May to be exact.
For me the anxiety was the worst which contributed to my having a quick temper - or the perception of it - I didn’t even feel it that way, funny enough, but it was there. And it is hard to talk about - and embarrassing too. I don’t know how long you have been on carbimazole but it takes time to kick in.
You are not along here and if I can help post anytime! All the best.
Thanks! I feel like the only support I get regarding this is from here. Not many understand what this disease is and neither do I really.
I have come to realize that no one , including ourselves, really understands it, even with the knowledge that exists about it.
I had it for 25 years, have now read more than I ever wanted to, and realize how little I still know despite my best efforts. It’s an ongoing process.
My thyroid surgeon said many many years ago it used to be called “the Devil’s Disease” (he is a recognized expert in thyroid) because of the anger and other terrible symptoms of the disease. Thankfully this forum allows us to support each other. I am grateful every day for some of the helpful people here and hope I helped you today. All the best.
Hello Jeanjeanjeanx
I remember replying to you a while ago.
Do you now have a diagnosis, you write above questioning Graves Disease ?
Graves is an auto immune disease and you need a positive blood test for either TSI and or TRab antibodies
Carbimazole is generally prescribed, but there other options, Propylthiouracil, commonly referred to as PTU.
Graves is generally stress and anxiety driven, and the symptoms experienced can be considered life threatening.
This is because the Graves antibodies attack your thyroid, and the thyroid is a major gland responsible for full body synchronisation including your mental, physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual well being.
Being hyper you are finding it difficult to relax, not able to switch off, bit like a kettle that has a dodgy switch and doesn't cut out when it reaches boiling point.
Your body has been running very fast, and now it may have been medicated too slow.
The metabolising of food is essential and maintaining ferritin, folate, B12 and vitamin D optimal will give your body maximum support during this difficult period.
Thank you. Does vitamin D particularly help with anger and anxiety?
" Graves rage " is very well documented - is goes with the territory - I know it's easy to say, but try and relax - focus on something you enjoy, and consider stopping anything that upsets or stresses you, I don't know if you are working but maybe it's time for a sick note or two.
Jeanjeanjeanx
Before supplementing with Vit D, you need to test your level. Too much Vit D is toxic as it gets stored, so you need to know if you are deficient or have a low level, then supplement at the appropriate dose.
The Vit D Council recommends a level of 125nmol/l or 50ng/ml
vitamindcouncil.org/i-teste...
If you do need to supplement, there are important cofactors needed when taking D3, particularly magnesium and Vit K2-MK7
You might like to take a look at the Elaine Moore Foundation website in the USA.
This lady has the disease and found no help herself back in the 1990's so wrote a book - Graves Disease - A Practical Guide - she has gone on, dedicating her life to helping all Graves people, with all things Graves. It is a well researched respected platform with open forums, very much like this amazing site.
Thanks. Will definitely check that out
When I started taking carbimazole my pharmacist cane out to tell me to take a high strength vitamin C with it. I always took 1000mcg slow release vitamin C plus zinc. I also took vitamin D as mine was a bit low and B12 because that was low too.
Hi, can vit C be taken at the same time as carbimazole or a few hours should be between them?
I haven’t taken it since 2012 but I’m pretty sure I took vitamin C, D and my blood pressure pills at the same time.
I was being treated with block and replace and I used to take my levo when I woke up at around 6.00 am with water and the rest a couple of hours later when I had breakfast.
Hi. Ived had graves for 5 years now always on carbo as my remission failed. I’ve had a full range of tsh results over the 5 years. Started at 0.02 and have been as high as 3. I noticed over time when I got down to 5 mg a day that if I stayed in this dose after 3 months my tsh was creeping up. So then I switched to 2.5mg a day and after 3 months I was down at 0.7 ish. So I was seesawing. So a whole tablet for me is too much and half a tablet is too little. I now do a week on 5mg and then a week on 2.5mg alternatively to keep my tsh more stable and stop the seesawing. Due to my previous seesawing I’ve experienced the full range of different symptoms at different tsh levels. For me my happy place seems to be a tsh around 1.3. Interestingly this is the tsh my sister has and she has no disease. I noticed whenever my tsh went up over 2 I had headaches, fatigue , brain fog etc. I suggest you consider reducing your carbo dose a little. Try getting your tsh down to 1.3 ish. I have a lot less gritty symptoms at this level. Alex
Your T cells (immune system) cannot function without Vit D, so very important to check levels and supplement if not optimal, especially for those of us with autoimmune thyroid conditions (thyroid hormone activity is regulated by the immune system, so many interactions). Try some magnesium for the anxiety - I use Better You magnesium chloride flakes in a footbath and/or the oil spray, in the evening.
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