acid reflux and indigestion

[Interiordesignb1227]

I’m only on 25mcg of Levo and after two weeks had to decrease by half because the anxiety is awful and I feel like each day is worse. I’ve been on it almost 3 weeks total. And for the last 5 days or so Ive had some bad acid reflux and indigestion that hurts my stomach. Is this a sign I’m going to fast for my body or normal reaction and it will get better?

Also, did you notice your hypo symptoms got worse each day until you started leveling out or it was just felt the same kind of bad for weeks until leveling out?

Thanks!

[Hedgeree]

Hi Interiordesignb1227,

Which brand of levo are you taking? Some contain lactose which could be the cause of your digestive issues.

I was only started on levo after a partial thyroidectomy in August last year. It was a struggle for me to tolerate it so I had to go very low and slow and I'm now on 37.5mcg.

Also once I changed to a lactose free levo all my digestive issues stopped. So when you find a brand that suits you best to stick with that particular one.

Best wishes.

[Interiordesignb1227 in reply to Hedgeree]

It’s really frustrating to go slow, but the symptoms are maddening. I’ll wait it out a little longer with the Levo before I switch it out, thank you!

[Hedgeree in reply to Interiordesignb1227]

It is frustrating. I had to go slow as I wasn't able to tolerate the symptoms I was experiencing.

What brand of levo are you taking?

[Poppy_Ann]

Hi there, I am on 75mg thyroxine I was started on 50mg and after a couple of months was moved to 75mg thyroxine I do get acid reflux I cannot remember if it started after thyroxine or before, when I told my doctor about it he put me on Omeprazole which stoped it straight away I only had reflux in the night and I would wake up due to not being able to breath due to being sick and as I lay on my back it went straight to my lungs just mention it to your doctor and with luck if you are anything like me it will work the same day. Good luck finding something that works for you.

[FancyPants54 in reply to Poppy_Ann]

I'm afraid that Omniprazole is the last thing you want to be taking when reliant on thyroid medication. It is a bad idea. There will be loads of posts about it on this forum. I advise you to search for them and read up on it.

You may need to trial a lactose free thyroxine.

[Interiordesignb1227 in reply to FancyPants54]

yes I agree I used it a few years ago and it made things worse actually. I just ordered some ACV tablets for the meantime to see if it helps.

[FancyPants54 in reply to Interiordesignb1227]

That or lemon juice or a digestive enzyme table usually does it. So many of us have had this happen. Started on thyroid meds or even before (before for me), developed acid reflux and been put on Omniprazole. It's the worst. Stops us digesting properly and so we don't absorb our vitamins and minerals well at all. As most hypos are already struggling with digestion (hence the reflux) we are already low on vitamins and minerals and they make it worse!

Taking acid at the start of a meal was game changing for me. And if it's low thyroid medication that's caused it, arguing for a dose increase is likely to do the same.

[Interiordesignb1227 in reply to FancyPants54]

Just to clarify, are you saying an increased dose will prob give me the reflux as well?

[FancyPants54 in reply to Interiordesignb1227]

No, it seems to be a thing that happens when we are just not taking enough and until things settle a bit. You won't know until you try an increase, but I would not expect it to get worse. I don't need any help with digestion anymore. It's a thing we see a lot of in people just starting on thyroid meds or kept too low for too long.

[Batty1 in reply to Poppy_Ann]

if you need omeprazole take it just make sure to take it at least 4 hours from your thyroid meds.

[Buddy195 Administrator]

I agree with responses from SlowDragon & others from your last post, 25mcg is too low a starter dose for someone who is only 29. This dose is usually reserved for the elderly. I’m sure that many of your adverse symptoms will resolve when you are on an optimal dose of Levothyroxine. Have key vitamins been tested (as per advice in last post)?

I initially had gastritis/ reflux and it was actually my endocrinologist who thought I might have a thyroid issue, so the conditions are definitely linked for some of us. Although I did try taking a PPI (with food) I didn’t tolerate omeprazole well. My stomach issues resolved with adequate thyroid medication, optimal key vitamins plus trialling a Gluten Free diet.

[Me2U in reply to Buddy195]

I suffer from acid reflux i had no.idea it could be linked to the underactive thyroid!

[connyankee in reply to Me2U]

Absolutely! Hypo's have trouble digesting which is why we sleep so much. I take HCL Betaine with Genetian Bitters at the start of a protein heavy meal. Start with 1/2 cap to see how well you tolerate, and then increase. You'll be surprised when you pop awake at 5am because you're fully digested and have retained energy for the morning wake up! No PPI's! Please!

[Interiordesignb1227 in reply to Buddy195]

thanks, I agree. I think it’s a double edged sword because the lower dose is giving me acid reflux and digestion issues but I can’t tolerate a higher dose right now 😭 when I take the full 25mcg i want to die. I saw my GP yesterday who didn’t want to do the vitamin panels but she did order them and said I could get my blood drawn in one week when she looks at my TSH.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Interiordesignb1227]

you could try splitting Levo

Cutting into half

Taking half waking and half at bedtime

Or even in 1/4s spread through the day

Adrenals try to compensate for lack of thyroid hormones….. hence high cortisol

Have you had thyroid antibodies tested for autoimmune thyroid disease

Testing BOTH TPO and TG antibodies

[Bigfraz76 in reply to Buddy195]

Hi, I’ve been suffering from gastritis and acid reflux for over2 years now, morning noon and night, every day with little relief. I was on 50mg of thyroxine for over four years. My doctor sent me for every test going to no avail but not once was my thyroid mentioned. Recently I went private and after my blood tests was put onto 75 one day 100 the next. Was on the new dose for 10 weeks but it gave me no relief in symptoms whatsoever. After my most recent blood tests the doctor said that my conversion from t4 into t3 was poor and suggested I try NDT. I’ve been on 2 grams a day for 3 days now, praying that my symptoms will finally start to resolve but after so long a time in pain and discomfort I find it hard to believe that I will get there. How long did it take for your symptoms to subside once you were correctly medicated? Thanks

[Buddy195 Administrator in reply to Bigfraz76]

For me, symptoms improved 3 months after going GF and improving ferritin, folate, B12 and vit D (alongside an increase in Levothyroxine).

[Bigfraz76 in reply to Buddy195]

👍

[ICE187]

My hypo symptoms got worse around each 5 week mark of my increase. It took several months for my symptoms to level out and reverse. I did end up with gastro issues that got worse and have just been diagnosed with Sjogren's and Autoimmune Pancreatitis type 1. Double whammy. I suffered from acid reflux prior to being diagnosed with hypothyroidism.

[Interiordesignb1227 in reply to ICE187]

that’s awful! My husband has always thought I have sjogrens but never looked into it as for the autoimmune pancreatic stuff, what symptoms did you have? My anxiety is being caused by my blood sugars and we haven’t connected the dots yet on what’s going on. All I know is I eat and my anxiety goes through the roof or if its been too long I get very anxious. I also know I have elevated cortisol so that could be playin into it as well.

[ICE187 in reply to Interiordesignb1227]

Sjogrens and autoimmune pancreatitis mimic each other. At first, I had acid reflux, fatty liver, kidney pains. Then got diagnosed with hypothyroidism. Then I noticed gastro issues like pain at the bottom center of my ribs that went to the left and right under my ribs. Serious lower and middle back pains. I gave up gluten thinking it was celiac. That helped briefly, then my symptoms returned. I gave up dairy and sugar which helped some. Then I had loud non stop growling/gurgling in my abdomen. I wasn't digesting any foods. Whatever I ate, fell straight out. I bought some pancreatin 8x enzymes which greatly helped with digesting foods. I developed dry eyes and dry mouth, tinnitis, bone pains in my hands, fingers and toes. At times my throat would hurt. They want to put me on 60mg of prednisone for 30 days followed by up to 12 months of low dose prednisone. I refused it so far and still suffering. I'm attempting to use natural steroids instead. My cortisol level was at the highest number but in range. Most doctors know NOTHING about autoimmune pancreatitis. You will need an IgG4 blood test for it. SS-A and SS-B blood test for Sjogrens. Possibly ANA and RF blood test. Autoimmune pancreatitis is not treated like acute or chronic pancreatitis. This version can go into remission with steroids.

[ICE187 in reply to Interiordesignb1227]

On a side note, I had to cut out almost every food I loved and spices. No more garlic, pepper spices, absolutely no fried foods, several veggies, no fats, sugars, starches. I'm still working on figuring out fats like butter. No mayonnaise, mustards, ketchups. For now, I only eat baked fish in olive oil with oregano herbs. Baked chicken with the same ingredients. Spinach, asparagus, lettuce. No brussel sprouts as those are inflammatory. I'm on a mixed diet. Low Fodmap that is also gluten, dairy and sugar free. Water only. If I eat a gluten free sweet, omg I am in agony. Front and back in my gut and kidney areas feel like an elephant stomped on me.

[Interiordesignb1227 in reply to ICE187]

I’m so sorry it’s horrible to live like this. For a few years I had to stay away from gluten and dairy and it’s sooo miserable. I can now eat dairy but stay away from gluten. Hopefully you find something that works for you, to alleviate some pain. Is your thyroid under control now?

[ICE187 in reply to Interiordesignb1227]

My thyroid was in range. I'm getting my blood test tomorrow to recheck. In range doesn't mean optimal. I told my doctor that. He said 0.4 to 5.0. I said no, 0.5 to 1.0 is where I want to be.

[Interiordesignb1227 in reply to ICE187]

good for you! Hopefully you get there very soon.

[connyankee in reply to ICE187]

Oh dear!

[ThyroidLadyLondon]

what was the indication for prescribing levothyroxine to you? Did your tests show low t3 and t4?

[Interiordesignb1227 in reply to ThyroidLadyLondon]

elevated TSH and low T4 they won’t check my T3 🙄

[ThyroidLadyLondon in reply to Interiordesignb1227]

how elevated and how low? And yes, one has a hard time getting t3 tested in the UK, no idea why…

[Interiordesignb1227 in reply to ThyroidLadyLondon]

TSH 6.37 (<4.2) T4 1.15 (.9-1.7)

[ThyroidLadyLondon in reply to Interiordesignb1227]

so your TSH is only slightly elevated and your T4 is actually in the normal range. AND they didn’t test your t3, so you don’t know if your T3 is actually adequate.

The important indicator as to whether your thyroid is functioning adequately is if you have sufficient t4 and t3. Your TSH is only an indicator that AT THIS POINT IN TIME, your hypothalamus is stimulating your thyroid to make a greater amount of thyroid hormones that is required by your body. Your body’s requirement for thyroid hormones is directly linked to the amount of callorofic energy expended within your cells. The greater the energy requirement, the greater the body’s demand for thyroid hormones. This is literally the sole function of t3 and t4. Therefore if you take steps to reduce your callorific expenditure (reduce excessive sport, reduce psychological stress, spend more time asleep and at rest), your TSH will come down as there will not be a need for the high quantity of thyroid hormones. By taking levothyroxine, you are introducing additional external t4 into your bloodstream, which has the impact of speeding up your metabolism, leading to digestive issues, among others, like increased heart rate, possibly feelings of anxiety, and so on. Also, it does not deal with the root cause, which is always linked to energy expenditure, whatever that is caused by, be it pregnancy, blood loss, illness, excessive stress, strenuous exercise, etc.

[Interiordesignb1227 in reply to ThyroidLadyLondon]

thanks for the reply I appreciate it! It’s actually very interesting you say this because after I had my son who is now 15 months old I felt amazing for a few months and everything came crawling back and my symptoms are so much worse this time. I’ve tried eating more which is hard with no appetite. But I’ve tried eating 2,500 calories a day with no change and I don’t exercise. I actually got to this point by over exercising and not fueling my body with the proper nutrition I believe but I’ve tried and could t figure out why I felt so good for a few months after and now I can’t. The problem is when I eat my anxiety is out of control because something is going on with my blood sugars and that makes it hard to eat too. My cortisol is higher on all 4 point on the saliva test. 2 were over and 2 just under the threshold but still high. I’m in a vicious cycle and I’m having a hard time getting out. Any recommendations?

[ThyroidLadyLondon in reply to Interiordesignb1227]

What is your situation with food, why were you trying to eat 2500kl a day?

The cortisol point is really important. You sound like you are under a lot of stress. Everybody has their own thing going on, but mothers are under a huge amount of pressure these days. There are a few lifestyle changes you can make, but they require commmitment and really depend on your own circumstances. A) getting more help with children to allow you to REST (not do more stuff), b) if you work, look at ways to reduce your workload, reduce hours, days, c) look at your sleep habits and ensure you find a way to prioritise YOUR sleep, as this will massively help with your recovery, cortisol levels and state of your nervous system, d) meditation, mindfulness, yoga are massively helpful in reducing the sympathetic nervous response, but again require a habitual commitment, which you need to carve out for yourself amongs children and other responsibilities, e) valerian root is a natural sedative which is available over the counter - taking small doses of this during the day helps to take the ‘edge’ off a highly strung nervous system, something like a valerian tea is surprisingly potent for this. There’s a valerian and passionflower mix which is pretty good too. Reducing cortisol and helping your thyroid in the process requires a lifestyle change.

[Interiordesignb1227 in reply to ThyroidLadyLondon]

Thank you,

I was trying to eat that much because after having my son and felt amazing for a few months the only thing I could think of that why that was happening was because I was eating more than my body was burning. Because my body is in fight or flight all the time I’m burning a lot of fuel. I believe my cortisol is out of sinc because of under eating and over exercising for years and then having terrible pregnancies which the last one tipped me over the edge my body for a long time wasn’t getting what it needed. And the weird part is it doesn’t matter what supplement I use it doesn’t do a thing to my anxiety I feel fight or flight all the time it’s pretty terrible.

Are you saying you don’t think my body doesn’t need the T4? And work on reducing calorific expenditure? I feel like I’m stuck in a vicious cycle because of my cortisol situation 😣 I already don’t do anything all day but sit on the couch.

[ThyroidLadyLondon in reply to Interiordesignb1227]

gosh, it sounds like you have been through a lot. First of all, mental hug for everything you are going through. Sounds like you need a big re-set to get yourself back on track with your health.

It’s actually pretty normal to feel ‘buzzing’ after birth, there’s all kinds of hormonal changes happening and it’s not something that you can easily replicate with one thing, like food. So don’t be too hard on yourself that you haven’t found the panacea. It’s a slow discovery process and listening to yourself with regards to what works.

If you have high cortisol but not doing very much physically, do look at your emotional and mental well-being. Are there traumas that you haven’t worked through, are your relationships healthy, is there something in particular that you are anxious about? Talking through your mental load with a therapist can do wonders to start to unwind some of those anxieties. In addition, if you can find the time to do some mindfulness and breathing exercises or listen to some meditation tracks from YouTube, those can also be great on a daily self-help basis to slow down that sympathetic response. There are great studies on the benefits of the above. And as I’ve mentioned a mild over the counter sedative like vallerian can me helpful from a medicinal perspective to slow you down a little.

[Captainjack]

I suffer quite badly from acid reflux the doctor put me on Lanzoprasole 30mg because I had it that bad the roof of my outh had got really sore because of the reflux.

[WhyAmISoTired]

Did you get your iron levels checked? Iron deficiency can sometimes mimick hypothyroidism and it can also cause reflux. Low iron can make it hard to tolerate levothyroxine. Sometimes ferritin can be falsely in the normal range even if you have an iron deficiency, for example if your b12 vitamin is low.