Hi, new to this, been diagnosed with clinical hypothyroidism as well as going through the menopause.Sypmtons are massive lack of energy, all joints ache and have read up that symptoms can include choking fits, which I've been having for about 10 years now, but no Dr has ever said anything about a possible connection.
Been on 50microgrames of levothyroxine which I've been on for 16 days and feel no difference at all.
Anyone had similar or anyone new to this too.
Regards
welcome to the forum
Do you know your actual results from diagnosis?
It takes 6-8 weeks for each dose Levo to slowly build up
50mcg is only the standard STARTER dose
You will have further increases in dose over coming months
which brand of levothyroxine have you been started on
And were thyroid antibodies and vitamin levels tested
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 to see if your hypothyroidism is autoimmune
Very important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 at least once year minimum
Low vitamin levels are extremely common when hypothyroid, especially with autoimmune thyroid disease
About 90% of primary hypothyroidism is autoimmune thyroid disease, usually diagnosed by high TPO and/or high TG 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)
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
Medichecks Thyroid plus BOTH TPO and TG antibodies and vitamins
medichecks.com/products/adv...
Blue Horizon Thyroid Premium Gold includes BOTH TPO and TG antibodies, cortisol and vitamins
bluehorizonbloodtests.co.uk...
Only do private testing early Monday or Tuesday morning.
Link about thyroid blood tests
thyroiduk.org/testing/thyro...
Link about Hashimoto’s
thyroiduk.org/hypothyroid-b...
Symptoms of hypothyroidism
thyroiduk.org/signs-and-sym...
Tips on how to do DIY finger prick test
support.medichecks.com/hc/e...
Medichecks and BH also offer private blood draw at clinic near you, or private nurse to your own home…..for an extra fee
Had a look on my medical info results areFoliate 5.7
B12- 328
T4- 12.3
Thyroid function - 5.6
Brand of levo- accord
What’s the range on Ft4 (figures in brackets after result)
Different labs have different ranges
B12 and folate low
No vitamin D or ferritin?
Or thyroid antibodies…..usually listed as TPO antibodies
Can only findT4 - 12.3 (9.0-19.0)
Thyroid function 5.6 (0.35-4.94)
Can't find TPO antibodies, or vit D or ferritin
Ferritin 131 (15-200)
Ferritin is good
Hi slow dragon
I've just read what you said and just wondered if I coukd ask. I've taken the advice and I've booked a private test with medichecks. And having blood taken with superdrug as they are closest to me . They only take bloods from 9am is this to late I've booked the 9 am. Also mine is a Wednesday. I did see you said make sure it's Monday or tuesday can I ask why if this is ok as I don't want to mess my test up. It just means I'll have to wait 2 weeks to get it done that's all.
Many thanks 😊
Just pay extra at post office for guaranteed 24 hours delivery if doing test Wednesday
9am ok
Oh thank you so much I think the medicheck is 24hrs I think but if its not I'll pay extra thanks so much 😊 xx
Hiya,
Like slow dragon says, 50 mcg is the starting dose, it may take a quite a quite a while to get the levo dosage right for you as it has to be adjusted slowly.
Confusingly hypothyroid & menopause symptoms overlap a lot, I’m having trouble with this one too atm. But regarding hypothyroidism I’ve found Rachel Hill very informative- another thyroid patient who’se won awards for her work on hypothyroidism. She has information online & a couple of books- ‘Be your own thyroid advocate’ is the one i’ve read. She’s taught me a lot.
Have you looked into altering your diet? It can be a big one if your hypothyroidism is autoimmune, as I believe most people’s is. Gluten being a common culprit (of many) for worsened symptoms.
Good luck
Thank you I'll have a look for the info
Welcome to the forum Animallover73,
Regarding menopause, it may be useful to have a look at Dr Louise Newson’s free Balance App, as I find it really useful for comparing HRT medications & having up to date research articles. There is also an ability to post questions.
healthunlocked.com/redirect...
Thank you I'll have a look into this
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