I know there is connection between depression and hypothyroidism ( been on100mgm levothyroxine for years) but many doctors don't seem to want to address this. I have arranged a private test because my GP always says my results are normal, so there's nothing more to discuss. I feel l need to know exact results and hope that you will be able to advise me when they're back.
I have been in a severe depression, and on venlafaxine 150mgm anti depressant; psych wants to put me on lithium which l'm very reluctant to take. Does anyone have any experience of this combination?
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Pepsitess
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First step is to get FULL Thyroid and vitamin testing done
Do you always get same brand levothyroxine at each prescription
Low Ft3 is extremely common on just levothyroxine, especially if under medicated or if vitamins are low
Resistant depression is known to often be linked to low Ft3
A psychiatrist can prescribe T3 if your Ft3 is low
About 90% of primary hypothyroidism is autoimmune thyroid disease diagnosed by high thyroid antibodies
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)
Is this how you do your tests?
Private tests are available as NHS currently rarely tests Ft3 or thyroid antibodies or all relevant vitamins
Obtaining your past test results is a good way of keeping track of your levels understanding how best to help yourself. You may not be adequately medicated or have had full testing previously. What are the results your doctor says are normal?
The tests you are checking for should include:
TSH
FT4
FT3
For levo to work well you need optimal nutrients. (Optimal, not just in range)
B12
Ferritin
Folate
Vitamin D
You may have been tested for thyroid antibodies in past. These are not always repeated
TPO antibodies
TG antibodies
Obtain printouts of your results via reception (don’t ask doctor) or arrange online access for GP records, which is extremely useful.
Don’t accept verbal or hand scribbled notes you need a printed copy with ranges (ranges vary between labs so essential). They shouldn’t ask why but if they do try to resist just say they are for your records. You are legally entitled to them.
I don’t know anything about lithium but it’s been discussed before
Definitely follow the advice given above by SlowDragon and PurpleNails to get the tests listed. I don't know much about antidepressant medicines except that I've read lithium affects thyroid function.
Low vitamin/nutrient levels are very common with thyroid conditions and can cause symptoms similar to mental health conditions. Under and over medication (thyroud medication) can cause various symptoms that might be mistaken for a mental health condition. Symptoms may appear if thyroid hormone fluctuates due to autoimmune disease and the activity of antibodies or another reason.
When thyroid hormone is balanced and all vitamin/nutrient levels are optimal then a person should be symptom free.
I don't know anything about mental health conditions but I assume people can have a mental health condition separate from a thyroid condition. So, to me, it seems very important to ensure thyroid hormone replacement is optimal and all vitamin levels optimal to make sure that isn't a factor affecting psychological function.
I was depressed when I had low T4 when I reduced it to add T3 and when my Vit D went under 50. Just thought I would mention it just incase. I know there are lots of reasons people have depression.
Hi iv had my thyroid removed and I get so low I feel suicidal but I never would do anything daft..I'm only on 75mcg and if I go on any higher dose it seems to hurt my head or make my heart tic faster?..
But what I can say is whats helped me is taking hydrocortisone steroid tablets because I had low cortisol levels and im not as depressed now.
Hi pepsitess, I've seen depressed for years to point of feeling suicidal was to often (attempted once) also on venlafaxine (1x75mg am & 2x75mg pm) like you I get told normal after thyroid blood test which isn't regularly done. I'm on 125mg levothyroxine. But to be honest I never really looked into the thyroid and what it does or needs until joining HU for another condition and one day by chance looked up thyroid.After reading lots of comments on forum it seems as if Throid affects many aspects of illnesses/ conditions and patients issues aren't taken seriously by GPs. I requested my medical records a couple of months ago (again for another condition) and I'm still waiting on them, they're was all sorts of deflection/ questioning from surgery but stood my ground and said I wanted them, having read comments today I'm going to chase up and look closely at thyroid results.
Two close friends are on lithium for bipolar but I can't help you with that.
All I can say is do what you feel is right for you, hopefully you'll find some answers on here.
Have you put your request in writing to the Practice Manager, if you have, I believe the Practice has 21 days to fulfil your request. Start complaining now, those are YOUR results by law.
Hi Gingernut I checked back my emails and I sent a request asking for it 26th March. I see my gp fortnightly at the moment and last time I was there she said they were having to blank things out before I receive them, which concerns me slightly but if it's something important and I want to know I will be asking again, or rather telling them I want the full thing. Thanks for responding x
I think you’re right to be concerned that they’re blanking things out. I’m no expert but perhaps you could start a new post asking those more in the know what they think
GP said if other people's names are mentioned they'll blank them out for data protection but it's the other bits in bothered about. I may well start a thread once I get them. Thane again x
I would get right to the bottom of your thyroid before you go anywhere near Lithium. Lithium can cause problems with your parathyroid, calcium and salt, so good knows why they want to put you on this! Its a bit outdated anywhere and there are much better mood stabilisers out there that are better.
But honestly get on top of your thyroid first. You need FULL bloods - go private if GP won’t give you them. I had a relatively severe depression/anxiety episode 10 years ago, before anyone had thought to check my thyroid. When you have your bloods, post them here and lets see. Keep in touch. Private message me if you want someone to talk to, as i know first hand how depression can make you feel!
Thanks. I have found a private psychiatrist who also looks at thyroid issues. Only problem is cost, but if things don't improve l may try him. Thanks for DM offer too.
Hi there, been on various doses of levothyroxine since 1992, been on Lithium since 2011, get regular blood tests for both, sometimes Levothyroxine need increased/decreased, I have various health problems but never been advised that the combination of these drugs have caused me any problems. But then again don’t think GP’s are fully clued up to thyroid problems?? Hope things work out for you xx
Hello there.
I’m so sorry to hear of your depression, I have been very unwell for many years due to under treatment of thyroid (read my bio for more). I understand the struggle and want to tell you I know how brave you are!
Re. Lithium, I spent 3 years on lithium as I responded to nothing they gave me (SNRIs, SSRIs, anti-psychotics, old school antidepressants). Lithium is thyrotoxic, it sent my TSH to 77. It is actively damaging to the thyroid in therapeutic doses, and your thyroid levels will inevitably be affected.
My advice echoes the advice given by others - look into your thyroid treatment. My god I wish I’d done it as soon as I’d shown signs of depression. Depression does not occur in a vacuum, there is a biochemical reason. Get t3 high in range is the bottom line. Take whatever psychiatric medication you need to take to survive (I totally get it, you will do anything for some sense of relief) but ask yourself - why is it that no other anti-depressant is working? Perhaps it is because you are not truly depressed at all. Perhaps it is because you are suffering (as I have done) from low thyroid function and poor thyroid treatment.
Sending love and light - there are answers in this forum, you just need to find the patience and perseverance to read through it all x
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