I finally got a private thyroid panel done. At this stage I was convinced it would scream hypo - but the results are all 'normal'.
Quick recap of symptoms:
- Weight gain
- Brain Fog and Low Motivation (being treated for ADHD)
- Menorrhagia
- Anemia (B12 and iron) and low vitamin levels
- High Cholesterol
- Sky high prolactin (with no tumour detected) (last results was +1200)
- Fluctuating hormone levels
It's been a long journey of blood tests and treating one thing at a time - eg B12 injections, iron supplements, DIM to lower oestrogen, Vit D, trying Qlaira to managed periods, getting diagnosed with ADHD and taking Venlafaxine and Concerta to wake up my brain,. taking Dostinex to reduce the prolactin.
So - it's great that the thyroid results are normal but the mystery continues. I'll get a referral to an endo now and get back on Dostinex (which I hate because it gives me a drowsy unable-to-function effect).
I wanted to just double check with the knopwledge experts here that the bloods are indeed OK from a thyroid perspective before I move on.... 🤞🤞🤞Thanks so much!
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Jogger24
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Those results might be normal but if you are still symptomatic then they are not the normal for you. Ft4 is just under 50% through range Recently there was a paper on here posted by helvella I think that stated that those on levo often need ft4 levels above the normal average of 50% to compensate for their body's inefficient use of thyroid hormones.
I would say that you are still hypo and need those hormone levels at a higher normal level.
Might have been diogenes. I am of the CRAFT family too which is why I made a stab in the dark and hoped it was you!! It might even have been jimmy111!!
Hi there….I’d been on venlaflaxine for many many years for depression I’ve got under active thyroid but in my opinion the venlaflaxine caused me a lot of the symptoms you’ve described here.
My energy levels were ridiculously low, I couldn’t concentrate on anything, would forget so much, my sleep was shocking and ability to retain information was so poor. My weight sky rocketed and my periods were long and very painful. I did some research into the long term side effects of this drug and was so shocked at what it can do.
I decided after almost 20 years on anti depressants to wean myself off slowly which took 4months & now almost a year later the changes in my physical and mental health are profound.
I have more energy, i can read again for the 1st time in over 13 years, I can remember things even simple things, I can hold a conversation and remember where I’m driving, no more brain fog. Even my ability to sleep has improved. My diet feels better and find I’m not as hungry as I used to be. And my emotional state feels more stable.
This is just my personal experience with venlaflaxine and have to point out each persons experiences are different but this drug for me out of all the drugs I’ve been on in my life was by far, the most damaging.
I now understand that I will always suffer with depression but this doesn’t mean I need medicating for it everyday. I take alternative supplements to keep my brain as healthy as I can along with fruits and vegetables and have the comfort of knowing that if something were to happen to cause my mood to slip without me being able to control it, I can go back to my GP for support.
I wish you well on this journey and hope you get to the bottom of what’s been going on 💛
mumziep THANK YOU so much for replying. While my hormones were certainly off course before the Venlafaxine, I so suspect that it has played havoc with them since I started it (just under 2 years ago - ironically to improve my focus and memory!). It has taken away any irritability or anxiety from my life which is wonderful (I didn't even know I had anxiety until I was without it!)
When I started Venlafaxine I was aware that it was super addictive and hard to wean off. I'm on 150mg/day and I don't get brain zaps if I forget to take one - I get cold-like symptoms.... and eventually I realise it's withdrawal! I was thinking about going from 150mg to 100mg to see how I felt but everytime I check online and read the stories, I put it off! I suspect my doctor will substitute it anyways with something else? I think your message is a sign that I need to do this sooner rather than later...
I can only find one reserach paper online discussing an individual case where Venlafaxine caused high prolactin, so it's not implausible!
I think being a these kinds of journeys, we have to find what works for us and sharing experiences allows us to be more aware as sadly not all GP’s have that precious time to give us.
I do still struggle with irritability and have found Griffonia Seed Extract to help ease this.
Having your anxiety well controlled is vital to being able to function day to day.
It may also be worth speaking to a prescribing clerk at your GP practice as they are very good at ensuring your meds work and work well with any other meds ya maybe taking and the best times to take these.
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