Hunger advice

[Sailing14]

I have only recently (2 weeks) started to increase my thyroxine from 75/100 to 100 per day due to recent low T4 for me, T3 was above 50% but TSH was climbing. However, I still experience feeling hungry, particularly at night, when I have already eaten my evening meal. Is this a symptom of being over and under active as I get these symptoms for both? I try to eat the right food too throughout the day but could the amount of calories be inadequate?

There are other symptoms at the moment too that I may post about later if possible.

Thank you again

[greygoose]

Most cerainly the number of calories could be inadequate, but you don't tell us how much you're eating. It should be around 2000. Remember, you need calories to convert that levo (T4, basically a storage hormone) to T3 (active hormone). So, low calorie diets are not recommended for hypos.

I doubt you're over-medicated on just 100 mcg levo a day. What were your latest blood test results?

[Sailing14 in reply to greygoose]

Nov 23 results:

T4 - 14.3 (9.00 to 19.00) low for me

TSH - 1.2 (0.4 to 4.9) usually below 0.4

T3 - 4.6 (2.4 to 6)

I had palpitations and weakness prior to increasing from 75/100 to 100 per day two weeks ago. These have lessened but not altogether. I was on 100 mcg this time last year but TSH suppressed at 0.03, T3 - 4.9 and T4 - 16.3 (same ranges as above). I reduced due to terrible hunger and increased anxiety.

Hopefully, you are able to advise further and if you consider I am converting enough.

I have increased dose at present without GP consent as I know it will be difficult with the results I have

Thank you.

[greygoose in reply to Sailing14]

T4 - 14.3 (9.00 to 19.00) 53.00%

T3 - 4.6 (2.4 to 6) 61.11%

Are you sure about those numbers? Because the FT3 is much higher than the FT4, which is very weird. But, both could be higher. You're certainly not over-medicated.

[Sailing14 in reply to greygoose]

Yes I have rechecked and these are correct according to the NHS lab results.

I have been doubting the Accord brand 50 mcgs and if they are delivering adequate T4 even though T3 is above 50%. Would you have any advice on changing brands?

Thanks again

[greygoose in reply to Sailing14]

Well, it has to be delivering adequate T4 or your T3 would be much lower.

Sorry, can't advise you on levo, I haven't taken any for years!

[Sailing14 in reply to greygoose]

That makes sense regarding the conversion.

Could I ask what led you to not be able to take T4?

Thank you

[greygoose in reply to Sailing14]

It just didn't agree with me. Nor did NDT. After a lot of experimentation, I found I was best on T3 only. It's all on my profile.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

I find I often initially feel increased appetite early on after dose increase in dose

It then settles

[McPammy]

I get hunger cravings if my medication has gone too high. Thyroxine burns calories and if you haven’t enough calories on board the hunger kicks in to entice you to eat.