I’m currently taking 75mg of levo & a lot of other vitamins, but still feel tired in the afternoons. I usually need a 2 hour nap, but it’s difficult as I work full time.
I should think many of you feel the same.
I saw the endo at hospital who said my levels were fine & sent me away.
I’m waiting to be referred to the chronic fatigue dept and my husband thinks I should try hrt…. I’m not sure myself as it’s another med/hormone to take… is it worth it?
Are any of you ladies taking levo & hrt…. Does it help you feel better?
Thank you for reading my post.
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Beautifulmagnolia
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please add most recent thyroid and vitamin results if you have any
Which brand of Levo 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
Also both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested at least once
Very important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 at least once year minimum
About 90% of primary hypothyroidism is autoimmune thyroid disease, usually diagnosed by high thyroid antibodies
Autoimmune thyroid disease with goitre is Hashimoto’s
Autoimmune thyroid disease without goitre is Ord’s thyroiditis.
Both are autoimmune and generally called Hashimoto’s.
Low vitamin levels are extremely common when hypothyroid, especially with autoimmune thyroid disease especially if not on high enough dose
What vitamin supplements are you taking
20% of autoimmune thyroid patients never have high thyroid antibodies and ultrasound scan of thyroid can get diagnosis
In U.K. medics hardly ever refer to autoimmune thyroid disease as Hashimoto’s (or Ord’s thyroiditis)
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
Testing options and includes money off codes for private testing
I saw the endo and he did all the relevant blood tests. They were all within range & told to cut down on my sugar content.
The 75mg I’m taking is levo thyroxine and 20mg of citalopram.
Vitamins I take are a thyroid supplement, ferotin, omega 3,6&9. zinc, magnesium & b12. These are taken after lunch to help me get through the day without slumps, otherwise I need to sleep for 2 hours every afternoon.
They were all within range & told to cut down on my sugar content.
ALWAYS get actual results and ranges
We have thousands of members told similar
Far too often only TSH and Ft4 tested
Do you test as recommended early morning, ideally just before 9am, only drink water between waking and test and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test
You are legally entitled to printed copies of your blood test results and ranges.
The best way to get access to current and historic blood test results is to register for online access to your medical record and blood test results
UK GP practices are supposed to offer everyone online access for blood test results. Ring and ask if this is available and apply to do so if possible, if it is you may need "enhanced access" to see blood results.
In reality some GP surgeries still do not have blood test results online yet
Alternatively ring receptionist and request printed copies of results. Allow couple of days and then go and pick up.
I take are a thyroid supplement,
What is this exactly.
Most Thyroid support supplements contain iodine. Extra Iodine not recommended for anyone on levothyroxine, levothyroxine contains all the iodine you need
Guidelines of 1.6mcg levothyroxine per kilo of your body weight suggest 75mcg for someone who weighs 47 kilo (approximately 7 and 1/2+ stone)
The 75mg I’m taking is levo thyroxine and 20mg of citalopram.
Are you taking levothyroxine on its own on empty stomach and no other medications or supplements within 2 hours
Levothyroxine is an extremely fussy hormone and should always be taken on an empty stomach and then nothing apart from water for at least an hour after
Many people take Levothyroxine soon after waking, but it may be more convenient and perhaps more effective taken at bedtime
No other medication or supplements at same as Levothyroxine, leave at least 2 hour gap.
Some like iron, calcium, magnesium, HRT, omeprazole or vitamin D should be four hours away
(Time gap doesn't apply to Vitamin D mouth spray)
If you normally take levothyroxine at bedtime/in night ...adjust timings as follows prior to blood test
If testing Monday morning, delay Saturday evening dose levothyroxine until Sunday morning. Delay Sunday evening dose levothyroxine until after blood test on Monday morning. Take Monday evening dose levothyroxine as per normal
Is your levothyroxine a singe 75mcg tablet
If it is that will be Teva brand
Or are you taking 50mcg and 25mcg tablets
Many people find Levothyroxine brands are not interchangeable.
One possible cause of tiredness, as raised by Slow Dragon, is the time you take the Levothyroxine. I take it in the mornings when my alarm goes off at 7 am. Given I can't have a cup of tea until 8 am, I snooze until then but I feel this early morning wakening and then snoozing makes me tired. If you sometimes wake up during the night, then it is best to take it then. I'm not sure how you can take it at bedtime because it needs to be taken on an empty stomach - not sure how many hours you need to have not eaten or drunk anything before you take it.
As regards HRT, I take Tibolone 2.5 mg and have found it very good. The oestrogen is helpful to the thyroid so I would recommend it. This is not a high dose. It is very good for the bones and the mind and helps make you alert, especially with Levothyroxine and Vit B12. Tibolone is not a replacement oestrogen but it stimulates the body to make its own oestrogen, thus cutting out the possibility of allergic reactions.
I am on HRT and have been for nearly 20 years. I also have Hashi's. NO ONE is taking my HRT away from me. I had a couple of times when I was taken off it (breast lump scare and one time it was not available) and I turned into the incredible hulk. Worth a try anyway!
The simple answer to your question is no unfortunately. I’ve been on hrt for a couple of decades and felt great until my thyroid starting playing up. I am nearly 70 though but I’m a very active oldie and I do get sick of health professionals saying “well you are getting older” , it infuriates me. They just can’t be bothered to do their job and check properly. I hope you get sorted though, it must be tough having to work full time feeking so tired.
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