Stress and Anxiety

[Macp17]

Hello

I have been feeling very anxious and stressed last 3 months; I started a new job 6 months ago so lots to learn and very busy, but don’t think it is causing me the heart racing anxiety I have been feeling (which I have never experienced before).

I take 75 mg Levothyroxine and was due to do test; results below.

My question is, all my figures have increased slightly since last test even though I was actually taking slightly less Levothyroxine (had been advised to alternate 50/75mg by my GP as previous test my TSH was too low and out of range). Just wonder if my work related stress is affecting the absorption of medication? Is that a thing that can happen?

TSH and FT4 both creeping up?

Any advice appreciated as really struggling at the moment

Thanks

Test 22/07/24 on 75mg daily dose Levothyroxine

TRIODOTHYRONINE

22/07/2024

4.4 pmol/L

FT3 levels normal (normal range 3.1 - 6.8 pmol/L)

THYROXINE

22/07/2024

20.7 pmol/L

FT4 levels normal (normal range 12 - 22 pmol/L)

THYROID STIMULATING HORMONE

22/07/2024

1.76 mu/L

TSH levels normal (normal range 0.27 - 4.2 mU/L)

Previous test 26/02/24 (on 50/75mg alternating daily dose Levothyroxine)

TRIODOTHYRONINE

26/02/2024

4.5 pmol/L

FT3 levels normal (normal range 3.1 - 6.8 pmol/L)

THYROXINE

26/02/2024

19.3 pmol/L

FT4 levels normal (normal range 12 - 22 pmol/L)

THYROID STIMULATING HORMONE

26/02/2024

1.59 mu/L

TSH levels normal (normal range 0.27 - 4.2 mU/L)

[SlowDragon Administrator]

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)

is this how you do your tests

Free T4 (fT4) 20.7 pmol/L (12 - 22) 87.0%

Free T3 (fT3) 4.4 pmol/L (3.1 - 6.8) 35.1%

Shows poor conversion rate of Ft4 (levothyroxine) to Ft3 (active hormone )

When were vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 last tested

What vitamin supplements are you taking

For good conversion of Ft4 (levothyroxine) to Ft3 (active hormone) we must maintain GOOD vitamin levels

[Macp17 in reply to SlowDragon]

Thanks, followed all protocols advised in here for testing. Haven’t had vitamin tested again since last time; GP don’t do them routinely and really can’t afford to keep paying myself. Interesting that it shows I’m poor converter as I thought it odd my figures had gone up; do you think stress could be impacting?

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Macp17]

What vitamin supplements are you taking daily

Many thyroid patients find they need to supplement vitamin D, vitamin B complex and magnesium continuously to maintain optimal levels

And significant numbers struggle to maintain good ferritin

How long since GP stopped iron supplements

Request retest

[SlowDragon Administrator]

previous post 5 months ago with vitamin results

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

showing low B12 and folate

Presumably you are now taking vitamin B complex daily

What was vitamin D test result

Ferritin should be retested by GP after iron supplements prescribed

[Macp17 in reply to SlowDragon]

GP wouldn’t retest; and can’t keep doing private ones sadly. Am taking multivitamin (again, I know not ideal but comes down to cost)

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Macp17]

Multivitamins are not recommended on here

A) far too low a dose to improve low levels

B) iron will block absorption of other vitamins

C) contains iodine not recommended for anyone with Hashimoto’s. Your levothyroxine contains all the iodine you need

Better You vitamin D with K2….often on 3 for 2 offer at H&B or cheap on Amazon

Igennus vitamin B complex reasonable price - currently on offer at Amazon

Calm vitality magnesium powder cheap and easy to use

low iron/ferritin look at increasing iron rich foods in your diet

[Buddy195 Administrator]

Increased anxiety has been the worst symptom of having a thyroid condition for me and it is always worse if thyroid medication or key vitamins (ferritin, folate, vitamins B12 and D) are not optimal.

I would focus your efforts on first testing, then improving (if necessary) key thyroid vitamins. Do share these results with us. Following this, you may need to explore combination treatment if poor conversion continues. However, if you optimise key thyroid vitamins this step may not be necessary.

[Macp17]

Thanks; bit like chicken and egg; is stress worse because of thyroid or is thyroid worse because of stress?! 😐