So, I have heard back from my GP I have hashimoto's disease and have done for years no one has EVER told me. The doctor who replied to me stated that they 'seldom use the term hashimoto's and tend to use the generic term hypothyroidism.' Her exact words.
She explained I was correct that an underactive thyroid gland can be caused by Hashimoto's thyroiditis which is an auto-immune disease that eventually leaves you with an underactive thyroid. That repeat the thyroid peroxidase antibodies did not need to be done as the positive result will not change.
She agreed I needed a repeat of my thyroid blood tests as I am are symptomatic as well as some other auto-immune blood tests. She has written in my notes for my bloods appointment in 2 weeks that I need:
B12 and diabetes to be repeated
A coeliac screen would be sensible.
She noted Low ferritin, folate and vitamin D are not linked with autoimmune disease but can cause fatigue and hair loss in the case of low iron or fatigue in the case of low Vit D. So I'm not sure if I'm being tested for this or not?!
She is going to refer me to see the endocrinologist to discuss my underactive thyroid and for advice on treatment as well as some other possible investigations not available in Primary Care if appropriate.
I have written a complaint to the operations manager of the practice. Who as acknowledged my complaint and I should hear back within 10 working days. I am shocked and disgusted that one has ever mentioned or told me about Hashimoto's!! I wasn't monitored during pregnancy or post partum. And for them to say they use a generic term hypothyroidism is beyond me!
I need to start reading and understanding hashimotos for my own health and having the correct information to push back on the complaint response if it isn't adequate
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Kpresto3
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She noted Low ferritin, folate and vitamin D are not linked with autoimmune disease but can cause fatigue and hair loss in the case of low iron or fatigue in the case of low Vit D.
The connection between low nutrients and hypothyroidism is via stomach acid.
Being hypothyroid reduces stomach acid production. Low stomach acid reduces the ability of the gut to break down food and to extract nutrients from food. Hence this leads to low nutrients.
Vitamin D deficiency is frequent in Hashimoto's thyroiditis and treatment of patients with this condition with Vitamin D may slow down the course of development of hypothyroidism and also decrease cardiovascular risks in these patients. Vitamin D measurement and replacement may be critical in these patients.
Evidence of a link between increased level of antithyroid antibodies in hypothyroid patients with HT and 25OHD3 deficiency may suggest that this group is particularly prone to the vitamin D deficiency and can benefit from its alignment.
Same applies to low B12 - extremely common in hypothyroid patients
All patients who are hypothyroid should have B12 tested
There is a high (approx 40%) prevalence of B12 deficiency in hypothyroid patients. Traditional symptoms are not a good guide to determining presence of B12 deficiency. Screening for vitamin B12 levels should be undertaken in all hypothyroid patients, irrespective of their thyroid antibody status. Replacement of B12 leads to improvement in symptoms,
Levothyroxine can decrease serum homocysteine level partly; still its combination with folic acid empowers the effect. Combination therapy declines serum homocysteine level more successfully.
Presumably you have now had 25mcg dose increase in levothyroxine up to 100mcg
Bloods should be retested 6-8 weeks after each dose increase
Many people find Levothyroxine brands are not interchangeable.
Many patients do NOT get on well with Teva brand of Levothyroxine. Teva contains mannitol as a filler, which seems to be possible cause of problems. Teva is the only brand that makes 75mcg tablet. So if avoiding Teva for 75mcg dose ask for 25mcg to add to 50mcg or just extra 50mcg tablets to cut in half
Are you currently taking Teva?
Teva, Aristo and Glenmark are the only lactose free tablets
Physicians should: 1) alert patients that preparations may be switched at the pharmacy; 2) encourage patients to ask to remain on the same preparation at every pharmacy refill; and 3) make sure patients understand the need to have their TSH retested and the potential for dosing readjusted every time their LT4 preparation is switched (18).
Levothyroxine is an extremely fussy hormone and should always be taken on an empty stomach and then nothing apart from water for at least an hour after
Many people take Levothyroxine soon after waking, but it may be more convenient and perhaps more effective taken at bedtime
No other medication or supplements at same as Levothyroxine, leave at least 2 hour gap.
Some like iron, calcium, magnesium, HRT, omeprazole or vitamin D should be four hours away
(Time gap doesn't apply to Vitamin D mouth spray)
If you normally take levothyroxine at bedtime/in night ...adjust timings as follows prior to blood test
If testing Monday morning, delay Saturday evening dose levothyroxine until Sunday morning. Delay Sunday evening dose levothyroxine until after blood test on Monday morning. Take Monday evening dose levothyroxine as per normal
No increase!!! They want to wait until this lot of bloods....
I have a referral to endocrinologist so hopefully that will help when it comes to it, but I'm not holding my breath. Will continue to read the links you've sent and make sure I'm as well inform as possible when it comes to conversations.
I've actual got 3 different brands... wockhardt 25mcg, teva 25mg and accord 50mg. But only previously taken teva.
Your GP was incorrect when she stated that a positive antibody test will never change. Like investments, antibodies may fall or rise, and the reasons for either movement may be far from clear.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Latest blood tests - is my TSH now at a “good” enough level to be satisfied? 
I'm new here - Just had blood test and would love some advice regarding my TSH levels 
My TSH level is under the range.
Serum tsh level doubled 
