Underactive thyroid advice

[Jessycat]

Hi everyone. I’m new to this.

I was diagnosed with an underactive thyroid 2 years ago. I’ll be 25 tomorrow.

I’ve been put on Levothyroxine. I’m still putting on weight and feeling shattered. Amongst many other symptoms.

I am sending off an advanced blood panel to Thriva and I’ve also got a referral to endocrinology in Blackburn next month.

I’m not sure how to find a good doctor in the specialist field. I feel like I’m always back and forth without anything being done other than upping my meds that don’t seem to make any difference.

I feel at a loss as I’m young and putting on weight.

I understand that they don’t test for T3 which is why I’ve gone to thriva to get this checked.

I got diagnosed but never really received any Info. I was told my levels are high in my brain but low in my thyroid. I don’t fully understand. I’ve also been really sensitive to pain and I bleed quite a lot if cut. Not sure if this is a thyroid issue.

Any advice on what I can do or say to the doctor would be great. I don’t want to get fobbed off by the specialist because I don’t fully understand.

Thanks in advance!

[ChloeL934]

I could of wrote this myself. I feel like I’m being fobbed off because I also don’t understand it all x

[Jessycat in reply to ChloeL934]

I know. It’s so horrible isn’t it. I’m desperate for answers. I just find it all so confusing! Have you asked your doc for a referral? X

[ChloeL934 in reply to Jessycat]

I haven’t, but I was in hospital the start of the week and the doctor there has sent a letter to my doctor and has asked for me to be referred x

[Jessycat in reply to ChloeL934]

That’s good! I went to my doctor and said I know my body. I need referring. I really hope you get some answers. I ordered a test from Thriva to test my T3 because the doctor doesn’t test for that x

[SlowDragon Administrator]

How much Levothyroxine are you currently taking?

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

Low vitamin levels are extremely common, especially if Thyroid antibodies are raised

Have you had vitamins and antibodies tested??

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)

Last Levothyroxine dose should be 24 hours prior to test, (taking delayed dose immediately after blood draw).

Is this how you do your tests?

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_...

The aim of Levothyroxine is to increase the dose slowly in 25mcg steps upwards until TSH is under 2 (many need TSH under one) and FT4 in top third of range and FT3 at least half way in range

All four vitamins need to be regularly tested and frequently need supplementing to maintain optimal levels

NHS guidelines on Levothyroxine including that most patients eventually need somewhere between 100mcg and 200mcg Levothyroxine.

nhs.uk/medicines/levothyrox...

Also what foods to avoid (note recommended to avoid calcium rich foods at least four hours away from Levo)

[Jessycat]

Hi there. I’m currently taking 200. I’ve sent my blood off to Thriva. I took the advanced thyroid test. I fasted and did it this morning. I’ve never had vitamins and antibodies tested. I haven’t taken my thyroxine either as I’m due a blood test via the doctors.

I’m so sorry but what are TPO and TG thyroid. I have stomach problems and worry this is caused by perhaps Hashimotos. I will have to read further into it. Thank you so much for all your advice. I will follow the links and find out more!