changes

[Cariad20]

I have underactive thyroid and have been stable for years. Recently I had some routine bloods which showed very low thyroid levels. My meds were increased but I still feel dreadful. Repeat bloods are just above normal. The only changes I can recall making is when I moved last year and the new pharmacy changed the brand. I’ve read this can make a difference. Has anyone else had this experience?

[SlowDragon Administrator]

welcome to the forum

How much levothyroxine were you taking previously and which brand

How much has dose been increased

Which brand are you now taking

Bloods should be retested 6-8 weeks after any dose change or brand change in Levo

How long have you been on new dose

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)

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

Is your hypothyroidism autoimmune?

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.

Significant minority of Hashimoto’s patients only have high TG antibodies (thyroglobulin)

Low vitamin levels are extremely common when hypothyroid, especially with autoimmune thyroid disease

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)

Link about Hashimoto’s

thyroiduk.org/hypothyroid-b...

Symptoms of hypothyroidism

thyroiduk.org/signs-and-sym...

[Cariad20 in reply to SlowDragon]

Thanks for the detailed response. I’ll look at the different elements of you reply and get back to you. Thankyou x

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Repeat bloods are just above normal

Can you add actual results