A little help to manage some symptoms

[66olives]

I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism in May 2020. It’s not been a happy ride.

I’m on Accord levothyroxine 75/100 mcgs, (although Endo would like to see this reduced to 75 daily because of low TSH result.)

TSH 0.18mU/L (0.34-5.6)

FT4 11.1pmol/L (7.7-15.1)

FT3 5.2pmol/L (4.3-6.8 )

HbA1c 32mmol/mol <42

I often suffer from light-headedness GP isn’t concerned and said it could be something to do with the change of meds (trial of T3 for 6 months) or dehydration. I am thirsty all the time and I do drink plenty, but I also pee a LOT I am utterly exhausted all the time. My blood work suggests nothing untoward, become more frequent and painful. If I stand up too quickly or raise my arms above my head for too long or bend over (like emptying a washing machine), I get very dizzy and suffer a pulsating headache across the front of my head. This can last up to 10 minutes. If I get too hot or stand still for too long, I can pass out. I also had two ocular auras last week.

I was examined by a diagnostic nurse on Wednesday and the optician on Friday. Both found nothing wrong and referred me back to my GP, but the first available appointment is on 1st October when I am away. I need to ring after my holiday and then, probably wait another two weeks.

I’d like some ideas on how to cope with the symptoms and enjoy my upcoming holiday, please.

[TiggerMe Ambassador]

Light headedness is often a low blood pressure issue which might also point to low cortisol or adrenal function?

Your blood sugar level is low?

Certainly don't want to be lowering your T4... need an increase!

Free T4 (fT4) 11.1 pmol/L (7.7 - 15.1) 45.9%

Free T3 (fT3) 5.2 pmol/L (4.2 - 6.8) 38.5%

T4:T3 Ratio 2.135 

[66olives in reply to TiggerMe]

Thanks Tigger Me

I have no intention of lowering my levothyroxine. The nearest to healthy I have felt in recent years, I was on 100mcg daily.

My blood pressure is good. It doesn't drop when I stand, and pulse rate doesn't rise far either.

Cortisol blood test was done in October 2023 (8.50am) 354 nmol/L.

[TiggerMe Ambassador in reply to 66olives]

That all look positive then, I would think getting your fT3&4 higher in range would certainly be a step in the right direction, I'd put yourself back up to 100mcg daily with a good chance you'll need to add perhaps another 12.5mcg either alternate or everyday

Your Endo isn't taking into account that your TSH has yet to recover from the T3 experiment if it ever will

Remember to get an early prescription before holiday (always a good excuse) so you have some stock 🤗

[66olives in reply to TiggerMe]

I have my meds ready to pick up, thanks.

[greygoose]

Have you had your nutrients tested: vit D, vit B12, folate, ferritin? Dizzy spells could be low B12.

[66olives in reply to greygoose]

Hi Greygoose

Yes, I get them tested twice a year. My Active B12 is now at a good level. Medichecks tested at greater than 150pmol/L.

Vit D is at 86.2nmol/L - Vit D is the one that concerns me most as I take 8000IU vit D and K2 daily.

Folate is on the low side at 9.2

Ferritin was 'sample error'.

I am not celiac according to blood tests, but I'm gluten-free anyhow.

[greygoose in reply to 66olives]

How did you bring your B12 up? Did you take a B complex? If so, that should have raise your folate.

Do you take magnesium with your vit D? The two work together.

[66olives in reply to greygoose]

Vit B12 spray and my sister gave me a jab. Now on B complex. Will take extra if I need it. Yes I take magnesium.

[Salkas]

Did you get your cortisol tested?

[66olives in reply to Salkas]

Yes, the endochronolgist ordered it in with a few other things. I put the result above.