I started on thyroxine, 50mg, March 2021, then increased dose to 75mg in November 2021. Had the nexplanon implant instered Aug 2021. I had severe mood changes, and GP increased thyroxine to 100mg in March 2022. I'm due for another blood test on 09 June but I feel totally out of control. I'm severely depressed, irritable and tired all the time. I believe it's my thyroid again, but does anyone have experience with hormal contraceptives (eg implant) and thyroid?
Further - does anyone have coping tips while waiting for my blood test appointment? It's affecting my job and my relationship.
Thank you in advance
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Dusty1990
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Have you had these chest pains investigated? They should never be ignored.
If investigation doesn't turn up an issue then there are other possible causes that are common in hypothyroidism.
1) Stomach acid is low. This leads to poor absorption of nutrients. Chest pain can occur with low iron and/or ferritin (iron stores).
2) Low thyroid hormone levels, particularly Free T3 can cause chest pain too. So taking too low a dose of thyroid hormones could be the cause of chest pain. Another cause could be poor conversion of T4 into T3. Conversion can be affected by low nutrients too, including low iron/ferritin, but also low levels of vitamin B12, folate and vitamin D.
Note that doctors consider almost anything found to be within the reference range to be "fine". But, for example, a vitamin B12 test with a result of 200 and a reference range of 200 - 700 is considered "fine", but people feel best with a level which is in the upper half of the range or higher - from about 500 - 1000. [This is the only nutrient where levels over the range are acceptable. Everything else should stay in range.]
If your doctor won't test your nutrients you can have it done privately with finger-prick testing. No permission required from a doctor, and no payment to a doctor required either.
SeasideSusie posts often about how to prepare for testing. You need to take account of day of the week, timing for taking blood, when to eat and drink, timing for taking thyroid hormones before testing, when or if you need to stop taking supplements,...
Note when doing private testing that many companies will offer doctor's comments as part of the service. You can say yes or no to these, but be aware that they will stick rigidly to standard NHS advice, which may conflict with advice from here because we want people to actually feel better, not just have the right numbers on blood testing.
Thank you for validating my symptoms. I have mentioned chest pains to the GP before but it wasn't addressed again. I had to change GPs earlier this year and so I don't have my actual results on hand. My plan is to get a copy after the next visit in June. I had issues with low levels of Vitamin D about 3 years ago but nothing since apparently.
I'm going to do another post closer to my appointment time, as it'll during the week, in the morning, so I can get advice on dos and don't before bloods.
I'm currently not on any supplements... All I want is to get some control over these raging hormone levels. I'm a wreck!
Thank SO much for your help. This forum is genuinely so helpful and I don't feel so alone anymore
Absolutely no experience of Nexplanon implant but listed side effects mentioned are mood swings and depressed mood, also fatigue. Check your patient information leaflet. Are you sure your symptoms aren't due to the implant?
Thank you for your reply! I've had countless arguments with my GP about the side effects of my implant, but I've been "advised" that they'll ease. GP wanted to conduct a sonagram before removing the implant but I've begged to have the wretched thing out (earliest appointment is 29 June). I've been managing okay the last few months but recently (3-4 weeks) I've had a surge of anxiety, overwhelming depression, chest pains, fatigue and a lowered immune system. I'm battling to see the woods from the trees here. Hoping that removing the implant will eliminate variables. Thank you though, for easing my mind on nexplanon mixing with thyroxine
Sounds dreadful. If you want it removed I can't understand why they wont just do that, it's not like you're asking for a limb to be amputated for no medical reason. If you have it removed I hope that is the answer for you and, hopefully, educates your GP to listen to their patients!
I wish you all the best and relief from these awful symptoms.
Thank you! It's been a battle. Especially as I wasn't sure if the changes in estrogen, progesterone etc might affect my thyroid.My brain is quite foggy at the moment, which is why I suspect it might be my thyroid levels. I've still a lot to learn about this condition. I've totally taken it for granted, and don't feel like my gp has educated me on how to best manage my health. Am reading through posts for more insights. Thank you again!
Just had a quick look round and found something of interest. However, what I found is a suggestion, not proof, of a link with thyroid issues. It is a six-year-old petition.
Its existence is sufficient to encourage you to look further at the issues and see if you can confirm that our issues are related.
Nexplanon/Implanon causing lifelong thyroid problems - must be researched
This!!! Wow thank you so much! I've done some research into nexplanon but there isn't enough data out there. Its been a real battle to separate the hypothyroidism from the implant symptoms. It infuriates me that there is such little info on this. I'm going to raise this with my GP. It can feel like medical gaslighting when your feelings (physical and emotional) aren't taken seriously.
It really does! I've never considered joining a forum before but my mental health has taken a serious knock, and I feel like I'm losing grip with reality. The physical symptoms are real, but the mental ones are the ones that can be hardest to manage. Getting help can take a while, which isn't great when I'm struggling right now. I already feel a bit better knowing there are people who understand this. I'll keep my profile open to update on details regarding the implant.
Bloods should be retested 6-8 weeks after each dose change or brand change in levothyroxine
Which brand of levothyroxine are you currently taking
Do you always get same brand
ESSENTIAL to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12
Suggest you get hold of copies of all your test results NOW
You are legally entitled to printed copies of your blood test results and ranges.
The best way to get access to current and historic blood test results is to register for online access to your medical record and blood test results
UK GP practices are supposed to offer everyone online access for blood test results. Ring and ask if this is available and apply to do so if possible, if it is you may need "enhanced access" to see blood results.
This info is quite literally life changing, thank you. I considered ordering the NHS postal kit but wasn't sure if it was worth it. I'm investigating these other links today, thank you!
I was advised to wait 6 months between blood tests but my symptoms are so bad that I had to ring up sooner. I'm on the same brand, fortunately. It's Accent, I think - attached a photo.
Thank you for the guidance, I'll be sure to check all other areas. Will see what I can get done and sorted before Jubilee weekend (I've seen notes about slow turnaround times) and noted about testing time. My appointment is 09:15 but I'll see if I can take my own tests in with me if possible. Will go with empty stomach, and won't take my meds until after blood has been drawn. I usually take my Levo at 8am.
Thank you so much. I'm learning so much already, I didn't understand how serious this condition is.
Medichecks have 20% off tests until 31.05.22 so definitely worth a look if you are considering testing thyroid & key vitamins. It’s always best to test before you start supplementing!
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