cough and levothyroxine

[Frankie05]

hI,been suffering with a really debilitating cough for almost 17yrs since taking levothyroxine. All test dhow now lung problems tests for asthma copd etc all normal.

Has anyone else suffered with coughing using levothyroxine?

[dipsyqueen]

Morning, yes I have this too, from other posts it may be dairy products

[Jaydee1507 Administrator]

Have you ever wondered if you're taking enough levo? There's a few things you can change that might help but first people need to know what your last blood results are. Get a print out from youbr GP surgery and come post them here.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Welcome to the forum

Do you have recent thyroid and vitamin results you can add

How much levothyroxine are you currently taking

Which brand of levothyroxine do you normally take

Many, many people on levothyroxine develop lactose or dairy intolerance

Persistent cough is common symptom of dairy intolerance

You will see high numbers of members find dairy free diet necessary/beneficial

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 plus both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested.

Very important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 at least once year minimum

About 90% of primary hypothyroidism is autoimmune thyroid disease, usually diagnosed by high thyroid antibodies 

Autoimmune thyroid disease with goitre is Hashimoto’s

Autoimmune thyroid disease without goitre is Ord’s thyroiditis. 

Both are autoimmune and generally called Hashimoto’s.

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

20% of autoimmune thyroid patients never have high thyroid antibodies and ultrasound scan of thyroid can get diagnosis 

In U.K. medics hardly ever refer to autoimmune thyroid disease as Hashimoto’s (or Ord’s thyroiditis)

Recommended on here that all thyroid blood tests early morning, ideally just before 9am and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test 

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 all relevant vitamins

List of private testing options and money off codes

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

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

Only do private testing early Monday or Tuesday morning.

Watch out for postal strikes, probably want to pay for guaranteed 24 hours delivery 

ALWAYS Get actual results and ranges on all blood tests

[Frankie05]

many thanks for the info, very helpful will certainly investigate all options

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Frankie05]

Silent reflux suggests under medicated/gluten intolerance

What vitamin supplements are you currently taking

[limonene7]

It could be silent reflux. I developed throat problems within a few months of starting levo and have had it ever since. It's very common with hypothyroid and it's called silent reflux because people often don't know they have it. Lots of people can get a chronic cough with silent reflux and persistent need to clear throat. Dust mite allergies in bedding/mattress etc are also worth considering especially if you notice it worse in mornings.

[Frankie05]

thank you

[blogfrog]

Try NAC, as well as helping your cough/airways it will lower your antibodies if you have Hashimotos and do lots of other good things to your body. My persistent cough went, by the way, when I started doing mono T3.

[Jaycee40]

hi Frankie I’ve been on Levothyroxine at varying strengths since 1997 & I’ve never experienced coughing at all. So sorry you are having problems but I would suggest you speak with your Doc or Healthcare provider because I’ve not heard of coughing associated with Levothyroxine. I also have COPD & yes from time to time I do have a slight irritating cough but it is only occasionally & I only associate it with COPD. so sorry I couldn’t be of more help.

[Frankie05 in reply to Jaycee40]

thank you