I’m new around here, I’m 58 years, normal weight and have been sporty all my life so fairly fit and healthy most people would say.
25+ years ago I went to the GP with a minor ailment (I can’t even remember what it was) however, blood results revealed I had hypothyroidism - since I’ve been on 50mcg Levothyroxine. I’ve been stable, little weight gain (apart from expected post menopause) no symptoms I’d complain about until COVID stress - then my anxiety and mental health took a bad knock (I’m fine now). I have bought a book about Thyroid healing which is very VERY interesting and I’m wondering if anyone has any experience / thoughts on self healing or reading this?
I’ve started on celery juice morning and cucumber juice in the evening as recommended which make me feel healthy, hoping to see skin improvements in time too 😊
Thank you in advance for any replies x
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Levo50
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It would depend on the reason you are hypothyroid.
Many of us have Hashimoto´s and have been hypothyroid for years before we are diagnosed. At that time, the thyroid has often been damaged beyond repair...in which case healing it back to health would not be possible. There are many things that make me feel better - avoiding gluten, eating a lot of vegetables, reducing carbs, only eating good fats and enough protein, exercising - but I don´t expect that to heal my thyroid.
I am happy for you that you are doing fine. However, it´s surprising that you have been on a starting dose of thyroxine all those years...a person with full-blown hypothyroidism usually needs a full replacement dose (1.6-2.0 mcg per kg of body weight depending on source).
Did you ever find out the reason you are hypothyroid?
I interpret your post to mean you were not even symptomatic at the time? That is pretty unusual as far as I know, so this also makes me wonder what´s causing your hypothyroidism.
I know - people always laugh when I say I’m hypothyroid as I guess they expect me to be very overweight! I am tested annually and when I chase for results they just say I’m normal, I once asked if I could come off the meds to which they say ‘no you will just go under-active again’ I’ve remained on 50mcg.
I never knew why I was hypothyroid, when I asked it was always a flippant ‘nobody really knows why we become under-active’ So I thought nothing about it.
Once I was told I was under-active the only symptom I noticed was my palms being very dry and slightly flaky.
Due to COVID and my recent set back I’ve developed an interest in learning more about my diagnosis, my memory recall is not great but I just put that down to age. I’ve numerous other ails but I but them down to age and I just strive for a Joie de Vivre attitude but more recently my mood has been low at times. I’m focusing on healthier eating habits as these have slipped recently and I feel better for that.
50mcg levothyroxine is only the standard STARTER dose of levothyroxine
Do you always get same brand of levothyroxine?
Most patients end up on around 100mcg or more
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.
Important to see exactly what has been tested and equally important what hasn’t been tested yet
Just testing TSH is completely inadequate
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.....and especially if left under medicated
Low vitamin levels tend to lower TSH
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)
Is this how you do your tests?
Private tests are available as NHS currently rarely tests Ft3 or thyroid antibodies or all relevant vitamins
Thank you so much for your reply! I can’t believe how much support I am receiving on here it’s incredible!
I’ve always been on the same brand apart from late last year when we were away and I had to order from a new chemist, at that point the brand changed and I think that led to my mental health set back! I recognised this and have changed back.
I am over due my annual thyroid test (normally August) so I’ve spoken with the GP today and he’s arranged for full bloods, thyroid, renal and diabetes plus B12 & folate - I will request a copy of the results and update!
VERY rare that the T3 is tested within the NHS and it is the most important test. T3 is the Active hormone needed in every cell of your body. When low in range it is the cause of the many symptoms we experience ..
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Explanation of thyroid test results. Can anyone help?
No thyroid
thyroid problems and diabetes 
I never get a straight answer! 😢
