UpdateJust started on Thyroxine 25mcg. I feel worse. I notice I am not able to tolerate stress especially emotional. I don't like being around stressy people either. I know adrenal fatigue is not an NHS diagnosis but perhaps it is my main problem after a year in a job with management I can't see eye to eye with. But actually years of work and money issues. I was taking adrenal glandular for a few months in my new job but probably the wrong type.
My results that led to treatment with the 25mcg.
T3 4.8 (3.1-6.8)
T4 14.7 (11-22)
TSH 5.77 (0.27-4.2)
Whilst on Metavive
Vit D 79 (50-374)
B12 523 (197-771)
I've joint issues and feel incredibly tired even after sleeping. Back to GP I suppose.
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FinneUK
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I’m not knowledgeable about Metavive, but am sure others will be along soon to advise. Do remember to retest thyroid levels 6-8 weeks after being on a consistent dose.
I've been a few years on Metavive and Armour before that with a few gaps. Maybe I should try the adrenal glandular again to see if it helps my tiredness because I feel pretty bad.
Your FT3 at 45.95% through the ref range is on the low side for good health....it may be fine for a few hypos but most need it roughly approaching 75%.FT3 is the most important reading followed by FT4....it is the active thyroid hormone required by almost every cell in the body by way of an adequate and constant supply
Low cellular T3 = poor health
25mcg levo is a tiny dose....usual starter is 50mcg.
Your FT4 is also far too low at 33.64% through the ref range
So it's not surprising that you feel under par
It looks as if your T4 to T3 is ok....but increasing dose and further testing will clarify
(High FT4 with low FT3 = poor conversion)
Your symptoms are all typical of undermedication so more levo should start to alleviate those
It's not uncommon to feel worse after starting on replacement hormone....it's the body telling us we need more!
Suggest you ask for an increase to 50mcg, maintain that steady dose for 6 weeks ( you probably won't feel great but that's part of the process)
After 6 weeks re-test.....minimum TSH, FT4 and FT3
The results will point the way forward
Glandulars, unlike NDT, have no specified thyroid hormone content.....so basically, hit or miss!!
But, they do help some people
Your Vit D is on the low side too...aim at least 100
Vit B12, vit D, folate and ferritin must be optimal to support thyroid function
I doubt returning to a glandular will alleviate your symptoms
There is no quick fix for thyroid disease, patience is imperative...but there is a fix!
go easy on yourself, it takes aaaaages to feel more like yourself again. I’ll be honest I felt worse before I felt better. Keep asking questions about everything, Folks here are so unbelievably helpful.
Work is a tough one, I hear you with the stress. Emotional stress and trauma have a big impact on recovery. Was listening to a podcast (Thyroid Answers) about this recently, he was interviewing a US Navy Seal with chronic injuries who had unresolved childhood trauma and learned this was affecting him physiologically. Dealt with the trauma, processed it and tried physio again and it resolved. Have you got healthy strategies for coping? I’m having a good think about this and how I can help myself. 🌱
My main strategy for stress has always been avoiding or ignoring the stressful thing - doesn't always work well in life. I was trying to reduce my working hours but the boiler has just died (today given a safety warning) and needs replacing! I suppose it's exercise carrying kettles upstairs. I thought I'd be more worried but I seem to be more able to adopt a "what will be will be" approach recently, at least some of the time ...
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Another crazy “maybe” unrelated thyroid issue…. You be the judge!
Raw thyroid and thyroid - s
feedback loop issue
