Easing of symptoms

[Squase]

this week my GP increased my dosage of levothyroxine but I didn't think to ask how soon I might see an improvement in symptoms, any thoughts from anyone would be appreciated

Thanks

[Dahliasanddaisies]

I think it's pretty varied. I've had an increase a few weeks ago and I'm feeling awful, I hope someone will come along and say they felt terrible too but it gets better 🫠

[greygoose]

There's no way anyone can answer that question with any certitude. It depends a lot on the person. Thyroid disease is a very personal thing, there are no absolutes.

[Squase in reply to greygoose]

I thought it was a 'how long is a piece of string' question but I was hoping for a simple answer. Thanks

[greygoose in reply to Squase]

Sorry.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Typically some changes after 2-4 weeks

You might feel worse as rest of endocrine systems try to catch up

Retest thyroid levels after 6-12 weeks on constant unchanging dose and brand levothyroxine

How much levothyroxine are you now taking

What were thyroid and vitamin results BEFORE dose increase

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

Previous post 3 years ago confirms your hypothyroidism is autoimmune

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

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

[SlowDragon Administrator]

As your hypothyroidism is autoimmune

Are you on gluten free and/or dairy free diet

Poor gut function can lead leaky gut (literally holes in gut wall) this can cause food intolerances. Most common by far is gluten. Dairy is second most common.

A trial of strictly gluten free diet is always worth doing

Only 5% of Hashimoto’s patients test positive for coeliac but a further 81% of Hashimoto’s patients who try gluten free diet find noticeable or significant improvement or find it’s essential

A strictly gluten free diet helps or is essential due to gluten intolerance (no test available) or due to leaky gut and gluten causing molecular mimicry (see Amy Myers link)

Changing to a strictly gluten free diet may help reduce symptoms, help gut heal and may slowly lower TPO antibodies

While still eating high gluten diet ask GP for coeliac blood test first as per NICE Guidelines

nice.org.uk/guidance/ng20/c...

Or buy a test online, about £20

Assuming test is negative you can immediately go on strictly gluten free diet 

(If test is positive you will need to remain on high gluten diet until endoscopy, maximum 6 weeks wait officially) 

Trying gluten free diet for 3-6 months. If no noticeable improvement then reintroduce gluten and see if symptoms get worse

chriskresser.com/the-gluten...

amymyersmd.com/2018/04/3-re...

thyroidpharmacist.com/artic...

drknews.com/changing-your-d...

Non Coeliac Gluten sensitivity (NCGS) and autoimmune disease

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/296...

The predominance of Hashimoto thyroiditis represents an interesting finding, since it has been indirectly confirmed by an Italian study, showing that autoimmune thyroid disease is a risk factor for the evolution towards NCGS in a group of patients with minimal duodenal inflammation. On these bases, an autoimmune stigma in NCGS is strongly supported

nuclmed.gr/wp/wp-content/up...

In summary, whereas it is not yet clear whether a gluten free diet can prevent autoimmune diseases, it is worth mentioning that HT patients with or without CD benefit from a diet low in gluten as far as the progression and the potential disease complications are concerned

restartmed.com/hashimotos-g...

Despite the fact that 5-10% of patients have Celiac disease, in my experience and in the experience of many other physicians, at least 80% + of patients with Hashimoto's who go gluten-free notice a reduction in their symptoms almost immediately.

Similarly few months later consider trying dairy free too. Approx 50-60% find dairy free beneficial

With loads of vegan dairy alternatives these days it’s not as difficult as in the past

Post discussing gluten

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

[Squase in reply to SlowDragon]

hi thanks for replying I have trialled dairy and gluten free in the past with no noticeable changes . I've never had any digestive issues but most of the other symptoms have just gradually increased over time. I'm having a FBC at the same time as my TFT in 6 weeks so will be aware of any other issues then and the GP seems to be willing to listen to how I am feeling and medicate accordingly.

[Ellie-Louise]

With my doctors agreement I increased mine (Levo) by just 75mcg a week and feel much better for it.

It got to a point where I was wiped of energy and tired out yawning in the afternoons. This week I haven’t yawned once in the daytime and have twice stayed up until 2am. once for one of our cats to come home, and last night got hooked on more episodes of High Country on the iPlayer after watching the first one on tv.

I was halfway through episode 6 when I noticed the time so I’ll have to watch the last 19mins today and then the last two. It is such a good drama that the cliff hangers drive me on to the next. lol

Edited for spelling.

[Squase in reply to Ellie-Louise]

thank you, my increase is the same stating tomorrow so hopefully I'll see similar results to you. GP actually listened to me which was a big surprise and very welcome, onwards and upwards for us both.

It's always good to find a TV series to enjoy I'll have to investigate.