hi, I am currently hypothyroidism at TSH of 7.98 ranges are 0.27 to 4.2. I am currently taking levothyroxine 100mcg one day then 75mcg the next then back to 100 then 75 and so on. My last TSH on 3rd may was 0.100 ranges as above, for weeks now I have been having cramping pains in my lower abdomen does anyone know whether this is related to my TSH
Thanks
Do you have a urinary tract infection?
Its unlikely to be related to your TSH. TSH levels don't cause symptoms but low FT3 might. Have you had that tested lately?
What brand of Levo do you take and do you always get the same brand?
Have you done an elimination diet to see what helps your gut symptoms?
Improving gut health.
Try a low FODMAP elimination diet. monashfodmap.com/ibs-centra...
Try adding a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar (must contain the ‘Mother’, see label) to a glass of water before your main meal. This helps acidify the stomach.
Reduce sugar and processed (especially ultra processed) foods, they feed the bad bacteria.
Add probiotic foods such as natural yogurt, kefir, kombucha, sauerkraut, kimchi, pickles. Dairy free versions are available in supermarkets or online. Ask staff to help you find the dairy free section, some supermarkets have a better selection than others. You can also make your own versions of these at home including water kefir. Many people swear by a glass of kefir a day.
Eat the rainbow. This includes a variety of meats including game (if omnivore), vegetables and fruit.
joinzoe.com/learn/how-to-im...
When hypo we get low stomach acid which means we cannot absorb vitamins well from our food, regardless of a great diet. For thyroid hormone to work well we need OPTIMAL levels of vitamins. Have you recently or could you ask your GP to test levels of ferritin, folate, B12 & D3? Private tests are available, see link for companies offering private blood tests & discount codes, some offer a blood draw service at an extra cost. thyroiduk.org/help-and-supp...
There is also a new company offering walk in & mail order blood tests in London, Surrey, Sussex, Kent areas. No charge for blood draw in clinic. Check to see if there is a blood test company near you. onedaytests.com/products/ul...
Only do private postal testing early Monday or Tuesday morning.
previous post 2 months ago
B12 and folate extremely low
Please add ranges on these results
My folate was 2.3 and on folic acid and my B12 was 385
Exactly what vitamin supplements are you now taking
Have you now had vitamin D, ferritin and coeliac blood tests done
Ideally always test for Coeliac BEFORE trialing strictly gluten free diet
Hashimoto's affects the gut and leads to low stomach acid and then low vitamin levels
Low vitamin levels affect Thyroid hormone working
Poor gut function can lead leaky gut (literally holes in gut wall) this can cause food intolerances. Most common by far is gluten. Dairy is second most common.
A trial of strictly gluten free diet is always worth doing
Only 5% of Hashimoto’s patients test positive for coeliac but a further 81% of Hashimoto’s patients who try gluten free diet find noticeable or significant improvement or find it’s essential
A strictly gluten free diet helps or is essential due to gluten intolerance (no test available) or due to leaky gut and gluten causing molecular mimicry (see Amy Myers link)
Changing to a strictly gluten free diet may help reduce symptoms, help gut heal and may slowly lower TPO antibodies
While still eating high gluten diet ask GP for coeliac blood test first or buy test online for under £20, just to rule it out first
Assuming test is negative you can immediately go on strictly gluten free diet
(If test is positive you will need to remain on high gluten diet until endoscopy, maximum 6 weeks wait officially)
Trying gluten free diet for 3-6 months. If no noticeable improvement then reintroduce gluten and see if symptoms get worse
chriskresser.com/the-gluten...
amymyersmd.com/2018/04/3-re...
thyroidpharmacist.com/artic...
drknews.com/changing-your-d...
Non Coeliac Gluten sensitivity (NCGS) and autoimmune disease
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/296...
The predominance of Hashimoto thyroiditis represents an interesting finding, since it has been indirectly confirmed by an Italian study, showing that autoimmune thyroid disease is a risk factor for the evolution towards NCGS in a group of patients with minimal duodenal inflammation. On these bases, an autoimmune stigma in NCGS is strongly supported
nuclmed.gr/wp/wp-content/up...
In summary, whereas it is not yet clear whether a gluten free diet can prevent autoimmune diseases, it is worth mentioning that HT patients with or without CD benefit from a diet low in gluten as far as the progression and the potential disease complications are concerned
restartmed.com/hashimotos-g...
Despite the fact that 5-10% of patients have Celiac disease, in my experience and in the experience of many other physicians, at least 80% + of patients with Hashimoto's who go gluten-free notice a reduction in their symptoms almost immediately.
Similarly few months later consider trying dairy free too. Approx 50-60% find dairy free beneficial
Hashimoto’s and leaky gut often occur together
Which brand of levothyroxine are you taking
Have you got same brand for 100mcg and 75mcg
ALWAYS test thyroid early morning, around 9am latest, only drink water between waking and test ….and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test
Best way of dealing with acid reflux and digestion problems?
Digestion
Digests
Digestion 
Digestion and constipation
