Sudden onset of hot flushes at 71

[maggymoo]

Hi, has anyone experienced sudden onset of hot flushes (I am 71) I take levathyroxine 100mg one per day - this was increased from 75mg per day about a year ago. I was told my blood results were normal when last checked. Anyone else had the same problem?

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Low vitamin levels are extremely common when on levothyroxine

Bloods should be retested 6-8 weeks after any dose change or any brand change of levothyroxine

Do you always get same brand of levothyroxine?

Annual testing as absolute minimum

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

Low B12 can cause hot flush ...especially at night

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 as NHS currently rarely tests Ft3 or thyroid antibodies or all relevant vitamins

List of private testing options

thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...

Medichecks Thyroid plus ultra vitamin

medichecks.com/products/thy...

Medichecks often have special offers, if order on Thursdays

Thriva Thyroid plus vitamins

thriva.co/tests/thyroid-test

Blue Horizon Thyroid Premium Gold includes vitamins

bluehorizonbloodtests.co.uk...

Come back with new post once you get full results

[swingtime]

Hi ,

There could be something going on unrelated to your thyroid issues, I would strongly recommend you speak to your GP about your latest symptoms. I don't wish to worry you, but you hot flushes several years after menopause could be due to increased oestrogen levels that accompany some cancers. Ask your GP for some blood tests to rule this out before proceeding with any further investigations. It may be something less serious, but it's best not to take any chances. Don't let the current Covid crisis put you off, this needs to be investigated.

Best wishes