Palpitations

[Catkiz]

Hi all, I'm new here.Just wondering if anyone has experienced the same as me. I currently am on 75mg of Levothroxine for hypothyroidism. Two months ago I had tonsillitis and 2 weeks after I started experiencing palpations. Has anyone else experienced something like this and could it be my thyroid? Thanks

[SlowDragon Administrator]

welcome to the forum

How long have you been on 75mcg Levo

Do you always get same brand at each prescription

Roughly how old are you?

Were you on antibiotics with tonsillitis

What were your last thyroid and vitamin test results

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

Post all about what time of day to test

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

Testing options and includes money off codes for private testing

thyroiduk.org/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

[Catkiz in reply to SlowDragon]

Hi Slow dragon. Thanks for your reply. I am 51 years old and having menopausal symptoms too. I have been on 75mg Levothroxine for approx 5 years. I did have a blood test a few weeks before the palpitations started and it was apparently 'normal'..I was on a 10 day course of antibiotics for the tonsillitis. I just don't know if it's all a coincidence or not. I have had an ECG and an echo scan which was ok and am waiting on results of blood tests from 2 days ago.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Catkiz]

Antibiotics will affect absorption of levothyroxine

Retest 6-8 weeks after stopping antibiotics

I did have a blood test a few weeks before the palpitations started and it was apparently 'normal'..

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.

Link re access

patients-association.org.uk...

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

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.

Come back with new post once you get results

[Regenallotment Ambassador]

yeah I have a thumping heart 💓 beat that wasn’t there before. I didn’t even know this is what palpitations are 🤣

If I eat too much dark chocolate, or anything sugary eg banana it gets way worse. I notice it most when I get into bed and lie down. Or bend over at the allotment.

GP said nothing to worry about, heart rate is normal. 🌱

[Catkiz in reply to Regenallotment]

Yes, that's when I notice it the most..it keeps me awake and freaks me out 😱

[Dahliasanddaisies in reply to Regenallotment]

Oh my god I had dark chocolate then other night and thought I was having a heart attack!! Forgot about the caffeine 😳

[Regenallotment Ambassador in reply to Dahliasanddaisies]

I actually had a day without chocolate yesterday and guess what…. Barely a thing 🤦🏽‍♀️

[Dahliasanddaisies in reply to Regenallotment]

Urgh, is there nothing left we can enjoy!! 🤪

[Catkiz in reply to Dahliasanddaisies]

Nope 😂

[FallingInReverse]

Mine started when I added T3, after which they were constant. If not for this board I would have thought I was going to have a heart attack. Early days T3 palpitations are common. Under-replaced, over-replaced, low iron… I think I’ve experienced palpitations related to all of those: )

Some people on this board worry about “afib” , some people have it, and most doctors don’t understand thyroid so have lots of scare tactics about cardio stuff. I don’t even know what “afib” is : )

What I always say - of course there are people where the palpitations are a problem. We are all different and no one on this forum really knows you.

It could be coincidence around the tonsillitis. It could be some medication related to that surgery has interfered with the effectiveness of your Levo, leading to a dip that prompted palpitations. It could be an unrelated vitamin deficiency. It could be something else!

But depending on where you are on your thyroid and hormone replacement journey, palpitations are a very common topic around here.

Slowdragon gave great details and I hope you take a moment to let us know more!

[AKatieD]

I used to get them if I was late taking my NDT, like a helpful reminder not to forget, so definitely low thyroid levels for me.

[Sparklingsunshine]

I think Palps are quite common. I've had them for years but I have Ehlers Danlos syndrome and its common with that condition. I used to think it was a thyroid problem but I get them no matter what thyroid meds I take or how much . Too much caffeine is another common trigger. They are nearly always benign but its worth mentioning it to your GP just so they can rule out any heart problems like atrial fibrilation.

[Hopeful129]

Im last 10 years or so of having an underactive thyroid, the only time i have ever had palpitations was when my ferritin was low. I was blaming perimenopause on these and other symptoms but when i treated the low ferritin the palpations went away.

[Bethea-Alice]

My daughter (she does not have a thyroid problem) has found taking Magnesium soon stops palpitations and cutting out any Cola drinks, I believe Magnesium Glycinate is the best type to take for good absorption but maybe others can advise.