I am a patient of Hashimoto as many in here, but lately I have had a very strange case creating symptoms to me and I hope someone knows something about it.
I started back in August on a dose of 92 mcg. After 3 weeks I got a whole bunch of lightheadedness, and fainted a lot. I couldn't stand it so I took a test so that at least I see where my TSH is at. It went up to 3,5 (with a range of 0,5 to 4). So I increased the dose a little, to 100 mcg. After 3 weeks again I noticed strong palpitations to the point where I could not get some sleep. I took again the test and now my TSH has gone down to 0,5. I then reduced the dose to 92 mcg again with the same results as previously.
I know that 3 weeks is not enough for my thyroid hormones to stabilize, but I am afraid that if I let any more time to pass my symptoms will worsen.
My question is, has anyone experienced such a strong flunctuation in such a short period of time? Can it be anything else other than thyroid that's causing it?
I think my normal value of TSH is between 1,5 and 2,5 but I can't reach it with such strong flunctuation and I am frustrated I don't know what to do.
Thanks in advance for your help!
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Hashimoto123
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I am interested to see the replies. I am getting my thyroid retested after about 3 weeks on a 20mcg/day in areas but can tell you I have been feeling noticeably different in such a short period of time.
Low vitamin levels are extremely common and food intolerances too
Getting FULL Thyroid and vitamin testing is essential
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 as 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)
Private tests are available. Thousands on here forced to do this as NHS often refuses to test FT3 or antibodies or all vitamins
Cheapest option for just TSH, FT4 and FT3 £29 (via NHS private service )
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
Hashimoto's frequently affects the gut and leads to low stomach acid and then low vitamin levels
Low vitamin levels affect Thyroid hormones. Getting vitamins tested and supplement to bring to optimal levels can help reduce symptoms
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
While still eating high gluten diet 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
Sorry I didn't mean to hijack the OPs thread - sorry Hashimoto123! Just been wondering if particularly high antibodies means anything in terms of hashimoto's flares etc? Yes, those are the ranges SlowDragon - TPO range is over 34, mine is 444. TG range is over 115, mine is 564. Just not sure if these are particularly high? X
I actually have the same question myself. Although if I were to guess I would say that it doesn't make a difference at least directly, since now with the issues I am experiencing my antibodies are low for my standards (I. E. Around 300 for a long time with no symptoms. Now they are around 120-150 and I have a LOT of symptoms)
SlowDragon thank you for all the information. I have already have had a full thyroid test (and similar posts of you helped).
But I didn't think it necessary to do them once again on such a short notice. I was just feeling differently and wanted to see how my dose change affected me, that's why I only did TSH. The results scared me and slightly changed my meds and so on.
Lora7 thanks for the info. I do have high antibodies, but I think that's irrelevant since I have them for many years. These flunctuations only happened recently.
As for the goiter, I have had an ultrasound, the doctor found something like a goiter (it was not definite since the boundaries are blurred) but this is nothing to worry about and is normal for Hashimoto I was told. Nothing to worry about.
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High TSH despite high FT4
TSH still really high and causing anxiety
TSH still rising
Pituitary gland not producing TSH
