Stress and hypothyroidism

[Lynnxxx]

Hi all. My symptoms have been slowly improving as thyroxin has increased since being diagnosed with hypothyroid last year. I felt things were getting better physically until starting a new job about a month ago. It's been very stressful and there has been a lot of work and a few late nights learning new things. This seems to have led to a much worsening in symptoms, feeling really rough again! Wondering if I should ask for another blood test or if this is to be expected and it will settle down as things( hopefully) get easier in the new role? I had such great help and support from people on here when I first got diagnosed so thanks for that and in advance! Lynn x

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Looking at previous post you were extremely hypothyroid at diagnosis and GP not helpful

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu.....

Stress and increased activity can both mean you need an increase in dose

How much Levothyroxine are you currently taking?

When were thyroid levels last tested?

Can you add most recent blood test results

Do you have Hashimoto's?

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 you have autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's) diagnosed by raised Thyroid antibodies

Ask GP to test vitamin levels

Recommended on here that all thyroid blood tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and before eating or drinking anything other than water .

Last dose of Levothyroxine 24 hours prior to blood 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)

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

[Lynnxxx in reply to SlowDragon]

Hi blue dragon, thanks for replying. Am currently on 150mg levothyroxine daily, yes have hashimitos,it took a probably until June/ July this year to feel better but was feeling pretty good before starting this new job! I feel sure it must be linked to the stress levels as nothing else has really changed as far as diet/ lifestyle goes. I haven't had a blood test for a couple of months but not due one until next endo appointment in January. I just wondered if you thought it was worth pestering the go for one sooner? Was told low iron and given tablets last year but assumed that was now ok as it hasn't been mentioned since and TSH has been slowly dropping over the past yr in line with me feeling better. I'm sure the job will get less stressful as I get used to it.. should I just accept that I'll get symptoms sometimes in times of stress, I guess our bodies produce more hormones when we need them and taking tablets doesn't really replicate that? X

[Lynnxxx in reply to Lynnxxx]

Also yes have been doing the test as you suggest after seeing it on here, thanks!

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Lynnxxx]

If you can afford it, getting full Thyroid and vitamin testing privately would put your mind at rest

Stress and thyroid don't get on

When were vitamin D, folate, B12 and ferritin last tested?

Never ever assume results are ok.....ALWAYS get copies of your actual results and ranges

Are you on strictly gluten free diet?

[Steni in reply to SlowDragon]

It would be interesting to know though in answer to lynns question I’d stress in and if itself can increase symptoms? I have felt that it might. Maybe this is something that no one really knows the answer to.

[jamjar67 in reply to Steni]

I believe chronic stress led to leaky gut which together with genetic predisposition led to my Hashimotos....

[Nico101 in reply to jamjar67]

Ditto for me, too.

[Julesd in reply to Nico101]

Me also 🤔

[Molly161018]

My hashimotos has definitely got worse after periods of stress, and I have taken a long time to recognise it, so it takes a long time to get back to how I was before.

I would recommend you have a private blood test as soon as possible to get a full picture - post your results on here and you will certainly get invaluable advice.

Good luck!

[HashiFedUp]

Hi Lynn. Stress increases hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. This in turn heightens the immune response. In other words stress makes the immune system more sensitive and so it responds by over reacting even more, which makes you feel worse. It’s a negative cycle that can lead to exhaustion. That’s what happened to me anyway. I have since shunned all stressful jobs!

[Lynnxxx]

Thanks everyone.. I'll get a private test and try not to stress at work! X