Hi, I'm new to this forum so please forgive me if this has been asked before. I have recently been diagnosed with Hashimotos and I'm currently taking 75mg of thyroxine. To be honest due to stress and depression I have badly neglected my health and I didnt take my medication regularly. I'm now ready to take control, I've reached the point where I can't stand feeling this sick everyday. I would be grateful for any advice or tips -
1. When should I take my meds?
2. How often should I get my blood tested?
3. Which supplements should I take?
4. Any other tips, things that have helped you?
I have about 6 stone I would like to lose, I'm type 2 diabetic HBAIC of 61, I'm currently on 1000mg of metaformin.
My GP has now prescribed a statin due to cholesterol of 5.8 with high LDL and I'm not sure whether I want to take this?
I would like to try a low carb diet but I'm worried about the effect it would have on my thyroid?
I'm also peri-menopausal to boot so I have hormonal issues too.
I just want to get my health back, it will take time and I know I have to change how I'm living, any advice would be greatly appreciated . Thanks
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Whenever it suits you best, provided that it's on an empty stomach: one hour before food/drink other than water, or two hours after. At least two hours away from other medications/supplements, sometimes four hours.
2. How often should I get my blood tested?
Six to eight weeks after any change in dose. Once on the right dose, as often as your doctor will allow.
3. Which supplements should I take?
The ones you need. Get your vit D, vit B12, folate and ferritin tested, and post the results on here, with the ranges. People will help you build a supplement regime according to the results.
But, in the meantime, you can start taking vit C and magnesium, which everybody needs.
4. Any other tips, things that have helped you?
Avoid soy: soy flour, soy protein, soy oil, etc. It can affect the way thyroid hormone is absorbed by the cells.
Avoid low-calorie diets and dietary advice from your doctor. Doctors know nothing about nutrition and tend to have the craziest ideas! And low-calorie diets can make you more hypo and put on more weight. You need calories to convert.
Don't go too low carb. You need carbs to convert.
If you are over-weight, it's because your metabolism is low and/or you are retaining water. Diets won't help.
If your cholesterol is high, it's more than likely because your T3 is low. Statins are not recommended for hypos. What you need to do is take enough thyroid hormone to raise your FT3 level, and the cholesterol will reduce.
Ah. Well, you won't have absorbed very much thyroid hormone, then! Not surprising you never felt well.
Ah, just thought of a couple more tips:
* When you go for your next blood test, make sure the blood draw is early morning - before 9 am - and fast over-night. Leave a 24 hour gap between your last dose of levo and the blood draw.
TSH is highest early morning, and drops during the day and after eating. Doctors only tend to look at the TSH, so we need it as high as we can get it. Taking your levo too close to the blood draw will give you a false-high FT4, if your doctor tests that.
* Always ask for a print-out of your blood test results. If you live in the UK, it's your legal right to have one. You need to keep your own records. On the back of the print-out, note the dose of levo you were taking, and how you felt. This will be invaluable in the future.
Is it right to take levothyroxine at night, about 3 hours after dinner? We normally have dinner about 7.30 pm and I take levothyroxine at about 11 pm before going to bed. I was wondering whether it is enough, or I need to wait longer? I don't eat or drink anything but water after dinner. Thank you.
If you have an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), treatment may be delayed until this problem is treated. This is because having an underactive thyroid can lead to an increased cholesterol level, and treating hypothyroidism may cause your cholesterol level to decrease, without the need for statins. Statins are also more likely to cause muscle damage in people with an underactive thyroid.
Many people find Levothyroxine brands are not interchangeable.
Once you find a brand that suits you, best to make sure to only get that one at each prescription. Watch out for brand change when dose is increased or at repeat prescription.
Many patients do NOT get on well with Teva brand of Levothyroxine. Though it is the only one for lactose intolerant patients. Teva is the only brand that makes 75mcg tablet.
No other medication at same as Levothyroxine, leave at least 2 hour gap. Some supplements like calcium, magnesium, HRT, omeprazole or vitamin D should be four hours away
(Time gap doesn't apply to Vitamin D mouth spray)
Recommend getting vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 tested by GP now
Of get full Thyroid and vitamin testing privately 6-8 weeks after starting to take your Levothyroxine regularly and in the correct way
Getting a weekly pill dispenser is helpful. If you forget a dose it's easy to see it. If you forget one tablet, just take two the next day. Levothyroxine is a storage hormone. In theory you could take a weeks worth at once....but wouldn't recommend trying it!
Private tests are available.
Thousands on here forced to do this as NHS often refuses to test FT3 or antibodies or all vitamins
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
Just a little tip - Medichecks have a month long (November) discount on thyroid blood tests so it's a good idea to think about getting the ultra vit now at £79. It is viable for six months so you don't have to use it immediately.
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