I'm new to this group and need SOME HELP AND P... - Thyroid UK

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I'm new to this group and need SOME HELP AND PLEASE

dentjazz profile image
4 Replies

I have been on Levothyroxine for over 20 years but 9 months ago developed the fololwing symptoms.

I have so many symptoms that I'm almost afraid to mention them, but here goes.

HEAT INTOLERANCE

FACIAL FLUSHING

LOW BODY TEMPERATURE

ACUTE ANXIETY AND PANIC ATTACKS

TREMORS

BURNING FEET AT NIGHT.

STIFFNESS IN RIGHT SHOULDER LIKE A FROZEN SHOULDER.

MUSCULAR PAINS

BLEPHARITIS

Diagnosed with Hashimoto's with mostly normal results., but with high antibodies and told that all was ok by NHS GP.

TSH 2.95

Free T3 3.6

Free Thyroxine 18.3

TG Antibodies 1218

TP Antibodies 600

Also LOW CORTISOL AND NON EXISTENT DHEA.

Comments please.

Many thanks

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dentjazz
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4 Replies
PurpleNails profile image
PurpleNailsAdministrator

The aim when on Levo is the have a TSH around 1 (the lower part of the reference range) and FT4 & FT3 in the top third of range.

Lab ranges vary so please include them. otherwise it’s guesswork. By most ranges we see the FT4 look ok but the FT3 is low.

Important to test folate, ferritin, B12 & vitamin D. if these are optimal Levo work work well. In range is acceptable for GPs but you need to ensure they are optimal.

For your eyes clean 2x daily with eye lid wipes or solution such as bletherasol.

The best remedy is to get an eye mask which can be heated or a wheat bag which can be microwaved & apply for 10 minutes per day.

SeasideSusie profile image
SeasideSusieRemembering

dentjazz

As PurpleNails has mentioned, we need the reference ranges to be able to properly interpret your results, but we can already see that your TSH is far too high for someone on Levo and that your FT3 is very likely low in range. I'm guessing your FT4 is possibly mid range or a bit higher in range, I don't believe it's low in range.

So those results certainly point to you needing an increase in your Levo to bring your TSH down to 1 or below, then see where the FT4 and FT3 lie, it's possible that you may not convert well.

But it's essential to also test the key nutrients that PurpleNails has mentioned so perhaps make that a priority.

As for your low cortisol and non-existent DHEA, presumably you've had a 24 hour saliva adrenal test? Are you seeing a practioner? What's happening to treat this?

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator

What vitamin supplements are you currently taking

When were vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 last tested

Burning feet is peripheral neuropathy, often linked to low B vitamins

Please add ranges on these results

How much levothyroxine are you currently taking

Results look like you’re under medicated

If not already on strictly gluten free diet

As you have Hashimoto’s presumably you have had coeliac blood test done?

If not, get tested BEFORE considering trial on strictly gluten free diet

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

Low vitamin levels are extremely common, especially with autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto’s or Ord’s thyroiditis)

Low vitamin levels common as we get older too

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 all relevant vitamins

List of private testing options

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

Medichecks Thyroid plus antibodies and vitamins

medichecks.com/products/adv...

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

List of hypothyroid symptoms

thyroiduk.org/if-you-are-un...

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator

High thyroid antibodies confirms autoimmune thyroid disease also called Hashimoto’s

Hot burning feet is peripheral neuropathy

Very common with Hashimoto’s, especially if have low Ft3/vitamin D/B vitamins

Assuming you aren’t already on strictly gluten free diet

Have you had coeliac blood test done

If not get coeliac blood test done BEFORE trialing strictly gluten free diet

Important to get all four vitamins optimal BEFORE considering adding T3

Please add most recent vitamin results and ranges

EXACTLY what vitamin supplements are you currently taking

And always recommend trialing strictly gluten free diet first as well before considering adding T3

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