I have been feeling achy and my heart has been beating either too fast or missing a beat.
I am also finding it hard to lose weight despite doing Weightwatchers.
Is this a sign that I may need an increase in my levothyroxine?
I am currently taking 75mcg daily.
I should think so, yes. 75 mcg is not much more than a starter dose. When did you last have labs done?
Hypos rarely lose weight with Weight-Watchers because their weight-gain isn't to do with how much they eat.
Thank you grey goose.
My last lab results were 8 months ago.
I usually only have my thyroid checked once a year.
I think I’m fighting a losing battle doing Weightwatchers.
I think you are, yes. And it must be very demoralising for you. Hopefully, it'll be easier when you get on the right dose of thyroid hormone.
Can you get your GP to do an earlier test?
Have you had thyroid function tested recently? Ideally you need FT4 & FT3 levels as TSH isn’t a reliable measure.
Share any results you have.
Palpitations & aches can be caused by other issues too have you had main nutrients tested? Folate, ferritin, B12 & vitamin D?
Thank you Purplenails,
My last thyroid check was 8 months ago.
I take a vitamin D supplement daily and at the last check, my levels were ok, but as for the others, I haven’t a clue.
Recommend you arrange a full private test. Between annual GP appointments is a good idea. Plus you can check nutrient levels to rule out issues.
You need to get FULL thyroid and vitamin testing
what was reason for your thyroidectomy
Which brand of levothyroxine are you currently taking
Bloods should be retested 6-8 weeks after each dose change or brand change in levothyroxine
For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 tested
Very important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 at least once year minimum
Low vitamin levels are extremely common when hypothyroid
When were vitamin levels last tested
What vitamin supplements are you taking
Recommended that all thyroid blood tests early morning, ideally just before 9am, only drink water between waking and test 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...
Monitor My Health also now offer thyroid and vitamin testing, plus cholesterol and HBA1C for £65
(Doesn’t include thyroid antibodies)
monitormyhealth.org.uk/full...
10% off code here
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...
Just TSH, Ft4 and Ft3 test - £32
monitormyhealth.org.uk/thyr...
10% off code here
thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...
Only do private testing early Monday or Tuesday morning.
Link about thyroid blood tests
thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...
Link about Hashimoto’s
thyroiduk.org/hypothyroid-b...
Symptoms of hypothyroidism
thyroiduk.org/wp-content/up...
Tips on how to do DIY finger prick test
healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...
Medichecks and BH also offer private blood draw at clinic near you, or private nurse to your own home…..for an extra fee
Thank you SlowDragon.
I’ll take a look at the links for a private test. My surgery don’t test everything, and by the time I’ve got an appointment , a private test might be quicker.
I also meant to say that I haven’t had a thyroidectomy
I had been 12 whole months with my thyroid out.
I read this on your profile as a Thyroidectomy
You meant “a whole year with thyroid out of whack”
so if not had thyroid antibodies tested, include these at next test
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