Managing fatigue

[Pottypotter]

I am fairly new to the forum and to my hypothyroidism journey, having been diagnosed earlier this year. I was doing fine until I had a dip and my thyroxin has been upped by 25mgs just last week. I am now on 100mgs but im really struggling with my energy levels which is fine when im working from home but i teach a couple of days a week and I feel utterly drained by the end of the day to the point where I feel ill.

Does anyone have any tips they can suggest to get me through the day with the help of foods, drinks etc. And any ideas how long it takes to feel the difference when you adjust your medication levels?

I take vitamin C and a B complex daily and eat a fairly healthy diet.

Many thanks!

[Marz]

On your previous posts you received excellent Replies from SlowDragon and SeasideSusie. Have you been able to follow advice about testing Vitamins and Minerals ? Could be a possible cause of fatigue. Apologies if I have missed them .

[Pottypotter in reply to Marz]

I haven't had the chance yet as that was only last week. Im seeing a specialist in January and will ask to have all those checked then.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

As you possibly have Hashimoto's (explained in reply to one of your previous posts), then it is very likely that your nutrient levels are low or deficient. This, along with your hypothyroidism, will be at the root of your fatigue.

If it was me, and I'd been advised to test nutrients, I wouldn't be waiting until some time in January, I'd be doing what I can to help myself now. There's no guarantee that the specialist you see will even agree to doing them, many don't accept that antibodies are a problem and dismiss them, and many don't test nutrients.

If you do have low levels of folate or B12 then by taking a B Complex without first testing them then you will mask signs of B12 deficiency, folate deficiency and skew results. If you want true results then I'd stop the B Complex until after testing.

[Serendipitious]

This is an interesting video from Dr Ben Lynch. I’m not saying you should buy those products but he does explain how our bodies create energy and how hydration plays a big part in ATP synthesis at the cellular level. He also talks about adrenals and cortisol. After optimising medication and vitamins for thyroid hormone production having the right ingredients for energy production makes a big difference. Proper hydration has helped me a lot.

facebook.com/drbenjaminlync...

[mitziboo01]

Hi pottypotter. Have you had your iron levels checked recently you may be low in that.

[Pottypotter in reply to mitziboo01]

Hi, no I dont think ive had them done before but will ask for this test when i see the specialist in January.

The fatigue I am experiencing is because my thyroxin levels are low. I've upped the dose by 25mgs to 100mgs but a week on and im still feeling drained so i don't think it's started working in my system yet. I really hope it starts making a difference soon....if I feel the same in another weeks time im wondering if I should up the thyroxin by another 25mgs myself or must i wait for another blood test before I do this?

[RedApple Administrator in reply to Pottypotter]

Pottypotter, wondering if I should up the thyroxin by another 25mgs myself or must i wait for another blood test before I do this?

As you've already increased from 75mcg to 100mcg very recently, it is not advisable to increase again until you've had your next blood test to see what your thyroid hormone levels are doing. The next test should not be done less than four weeks after any increase in levothyroxine. Ideally, the next test will include TSH, FT4 and FT3 levels. This may give you a pointer as to why your symptoms are not improving, and suggest what to do next. Post the results of your next test here on the forum if you'd like memebrs to offer their thoughts.