Should I change meds?

[williamsad19]

Hi all, looking for some guidance for those who have been in the same situation rather than my GP who doesn’t have a clue!

I’ve had hashimotos for 2 years apparently, but I’ve had it for at least 15 as far as I am aware, but had the usual “nothing wrong with you” approach.

I’ve been on levothyroxine throughout, gluten free etc, my levels do swing and that is normal I know. But I can’t cope anymore, the physical symptoms aren’t too bad, only the brain fog really. But my anxiety is constant and now I’m suffering with what I feel may be low mood, I miss laughing and every morning wake up and don’t want to move out of bed and face the day. Although I do so I’m not depressed I don’t think 🤪

It’s getting me down, I just want to be normal!

Would anyone recommend I try natural thyroid even though my T3 has always been on the higher side of normal?

Thanks amy

[fibrolinda]

Put your latest blood tests up, including ranges (in brackets after result for example, TSH 3 (0.27-4.6). Have you had levels of vitamin d, folate, ferritin, b12 tested? All usually low in hypo patients.

[Marz]

I see you joined in 2017 so will know the importance of posting results with ranges so members can offer suggestions.

A year ago your Ferritin was low which could impact conversion of T4 into T3. Do you have recent results for your thyroid - B12 - Folate - Ferritin - VitD ?

NDT will not work well unless your Vits and Minerals are optimal ... 🤔

[galathea]

Before you do any of that, I would have a look at getting a saliva adrenal test. if your thyroid has been less than optimal for a while then chances are adrenals have been propping you up. I did a saliva test about 10 years ago, after 20 years on meds.... I found I had good levels first thing in the morning ( it doesn't sound like you do) then by 11 am my cortisone level had plummeted to where is should be at night to help sleep. sorting out the adrenals made a much bigger difference than any amount of T4, T3 or NDT ever has.

x

[williamsad19 in reply to galathea]

Thankyou

[SlowDragon Administrator]

First thing is, do you have any actual blood test results? if not will need to get hold of copies. You are legally entitled to printed copies of your blood test results and ranges.

The best way to get access to current and historic blood test results is to register for online access to your medical record and blood test results

UK GP practices are supposed to offer everyone online access for blood test results. Ring and ask if this is available and apply to do so if possible, if it is you may need "enhanced access" to see blood results.

In reality many GP surgeries do not have blood test results online yet

Alternatively ring receptionist and request printed copies of results. Allow couple of days and then go and pick up.

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?

If Ferritin is still low GP should do full iron panel test for anaemia

Please add actual vitamin results and ranges

As Marz says vitamin levels need to be OPTIMAL before considering adding any T3

[Nanaedake]

I agree with Marz and Slowdragon. Address vitamin deficiencies first and foremost.

[williamsad19]

Thanks everyone, I’m a nurse so I know ranges etc and my last ferretin was only 28 (15-150) but because it’s in the norm they won’t give me anymore ferrous fumerate. My last thyroid test in September was “overmedicated” apparently at 0.02 (0.2-4.2) so they dropped my dose but haven’t been checking my T4 and T3 no matter how much I ask, annoying!!

I’m due another blood test so I will ask for a full panel and vitamins, but I should imagine they’ll say no until I scream lol

Thanks everyone.