cold feet and hands

[natttt0811]

i have hypothyroidism with a small nodule. does anyone have any suggestions on how to deal with cold feet? i’m wearing warm socks and covered in blankets but their still cold.

[Buddy195 Administrator]

My Endo thinks I’ve started with Reynaulds, as I have a similar problem. I’m currently trialling a supplement of turmeric with black pepper & ginger to improve circulation (too early to say if it’s working!)

I had a look at the Reynaulds forum & have posted about circulation on this site. Another recommendation is ginko bilboa. If the turmeric doesn’t work, this is next on my list to try.

I also bought a small plug in heat pad from Amazon; it’s fantastic for warming up cold feet very quickly.

I did buy some one- use foot warmers that activate when you stick on your socks (think they are used a lot by skiers!) However, they actually made my feet too hot and I had to remove them after an hour! I have them for ‘emergency use’ in my car & my rucksack!

Best wishes to you 🦶😊

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Are you currently taking high enough dose levothyroxine

What dose are you currently taking

Do you always get same brand of levothyroxine at each prescription

What vitamin supplements are you currently taking

How long since last blood tests

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)

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/

NHS easy postal kit vitamin D test £29 via

vitamindtest.org.uk