Hypothyroidism and neuropathy

[Alejandrita17]

I hace bien diagnosed with subclinical hypothyroidism. Have had it for three years now without medication (tsh under 10, they said). The thing is, i started having neuropathy symptoms (pins and needles, fibrillations, paresthesies, burning sensations in hands and feet, and so on). Started levo 50 mg 30 days ago. My tsh at the beginning was 8,4. T4: 1,1 (0,7-1,7). My question is: is neuropathy reversible? If so, why do i still have those symptoms? Can anyone help me please? I am so nervous! Thanks!!

[Hidden]

Neuropathic symptoms can also be caused by low B12, which is very common in those with hypothyroidism.

Have you had your b12 tested lately?

[Alejandrita17 in reply to Hidden]

Yes, it's on 300. The GP said it was a "normal level". Can he be wrong?

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Very common after starting or dose increase in levothyroxine

Often linked to low vitamin levels too

Bloods should be retested 6-8 weeks after each dose increase or brand change in levothyroxine

50mcg is only a starter dose

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 and thyroid antibodies

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)

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 antibodies and vitamins

medichecks.com/products/adv...

Thriva Thyroid plus antibodies and vitamins By DIY fingerpick test

thriva.co/tests/thyroid-test

Thriva also offer just vitamin testing

Blue Horizon Thyroid Premium Gold includes antibodies, cortisol and vitamins by DIY fingerprick test

bluehorizonbloodtests.co.uk...

If you can get GP to test vitamins and antibodies then cheapest option for just TSH, FT4 and FT3

£29 (via NHS private service ) and 10% off down to £26.10 if go on thyroid uk for code

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

monitormyhealth.org.uk/

Also vitamin D available as separate test via MMH

Or alternative Vitamin D NHS postal kit

vitamindtest.org.uk

Come back with new post once you get results

[Alejandrita17 in reply to SlowDragon]

Thanks very much! TPO is negative. I had De Quervain Thyroiditis (viral) and could never recover from that episode. It is not Hashis apparently. Will come back once I have My new levels tested. Thanks again!!!! And happy Christmas!

[shaws Administrator]

Welcome to our forum Aljandrita17 and am sorry you have hypothyroidism plus neuropathy and that, despite your TSH being a little under 10 have now prescribed

If you can copy and paste your above details it into your Profile (the page in which you have put your name) so that, in future, members can look on the page and you wont need to repeat.

Members are very helpful and some are also knowledgeable about different symptoms members may develop.

I really don't know why doctors are told to wait until the TSH reaches 10 despite people having unpleasant symptoms. I think symptoms should take priority.

SlowDragon has given her usual good advice.

I recovered my health - thanks to Thyroiduk.org.uk -quite sometime before Healthunlocked was introduced. If you wish you can become a member and it is the small number of staff in the office who also do important work tbehind the scenes trying to change attitudes of the professionals.

thyroiduk.org/join-us/?v=79...

[Alejandrita17 in reply to shaws]

Thanks Shaws! I Will add my details into my profile then! Happy Christmas!

[nancypapa]

Did you started taking B12 how did it go?

[Alejandrita17 in reply to nancypapa]

Yes, I went from 250 to 950 after supplementing just one month!

[nancypapa]

Great, I’m going to have a lab test before I start and also decide to change levothyroxine to synthroid brand a lil more co pay but maybe will help with my symptoms.

[Alejandrita17 in reply to nancypapa]

Which symptoms do you have? Are you on levo?