Hyperthyroidism and bradycardia

[Zoe12]

Here are my results from 27/11/23.

t3. 4.6 (3.5-6.5)

T4 9.8 (11.5-22.7)

Tsh 2.04. (0.55 - 4.78)

I reduced carbimazole to 10mg from 15 when these results came back. My average heart rate according to Fitbit has been in the 60s for some time but was at 57 for a week in November.

Today my average heart rate has dropped to 56 again and can be in the 40s at night. Do you think I should reduce to 5mg or stop temporarily to get my heart rate back up or what should I do. I have had dizzy spells and been feeling tired and a bit weird but feel ok so far today.

Any advice as I'm a bit concerned heart rate is so low. I've been doing exercise too and it's still reading low.

thanks

[SlowDragon Administrator]

There’s no info on your profile page

Have you actually had Graves’ disease confirmed by high TSi or Trab

Or had TPO or TG antibodies tested for Hashimoto’s

Hashimoto’s frequently starts with transient hyperthyroid results and symptoms before becoming increasingly hypothyroid

Have you had vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 levels tested

What vitamin supplements are you taking

Suggest you reduce to 5mcg daily

Make an appointment with GP/endo ASAP next week

[SlowDragon Administrator]

previous post

Trab 6.8

that's all I got over the phone but I will get a copy

you were getting range on this result?

Looks likely to be positive…but need range

[asiatic]

Personally, I would neither stop or reduce Carbimazole to 5 mg. Looking back your posts you have had a lot of changes over a short period. With Grave’s, slow and steady is the best approach. Like you I find monitoring my heart rate a good indication to my thyroid levels especially the important one - fT3. For me, RPR in the 60’s coincides with fT3 mid range which is my sweet spot and where I feel well. In your position, I would retest mid Jan. on 10mg. and post results for comment. If your fT3 is still only about a third through range you could drop to 7.5 mg. Carbimazole and take it from there.

[Zoe12 in reply to asiatic]

Hi, So if your heart rate goes down in the 40s at night and is averaging in the mid 50s do you not reduce your carbimazole? I've always found that is a good indicator for me.

I'll obviously see the dr and speak to him about it but a low heart rate can be dangerous no?

No chance of seeing a endo, the waiting list is 11+ weeks now.

I've been reducing since July from 40mg now to 10mg, many others even out in 2 months or so, so I feel it's not too fast. Yes I've only been about a month on 10mg but I can't risk continuing and my heart rate going any lower as it makes me a bit dizzy.

[asiatic in reply to Zoe12]

So if your heart rate goes down in the 40s at night and is averaging in the mid 50s do you not reduce your carbimazole?

Yes but I think you are reducing by too much and too quickly.

You say many others even out in 2 months or so. They are the fortunate ones as many don’t , myself included. Here are my Carbimazole doses during my first 7 months of treatment - 20mg/15/10/5/stop/5/20. This seesawing made me very unwell and was when my TED started. I am now on block and replace, have been for about 7 years. Currently 5 mg. Carbimazole and 75 mcg Levothyroxine which keeps me feeling well

[pennyannie]

I believe you should stop this exercise whatever it is -

you are not well and not yet stabilised on a dose of AT medication -

please rest up and stop putting yourself under unnecessary extra pressure.