latest results help please

[Gilbert2023]

just had results from medichecks , I have a gp appointment next week , looks like they’ll want to reduce my levothyroxine but I still have my constipation and weight gain symptoms ( I’m managing them to an extent ) so wondering what I can do / need to ask ?

[SlowDragon Administrator]

was test early morning, ideally just before 9am, only drink water between waking and test and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test

which brand of Levo are you taking

Do you always get same brand

Are you on gluten free and/or dairy free diet

[Gilbert2023 in reply to SlowDragon]

Early test 8am , just water to drink and last Levo ( accord ) over 24 hours before , I do always get same brand , not gluten or dairy free but negative for coeliac

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Gilbert2023]

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

Trying gluten free diet for 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.

Post discussing gluten

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

Retest thyroid levels again 2-4 months after going gluten free

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

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Meanwhile look at finding an endocrinologist who will prescribe T3 alongside (slightly reduced dose) levothyroxine

Here’s link for how to request Thyroid U.K.list of private Doctors emailed to you, but within the email a link to download list of recommended thyroid specialist endocrinologists who will prescribe T3

Ideally choose an endocrinologist to see privately initially and who also does NHS consultations so that might eventually transfer to getting T3 on NHS

thyroiduk.org/contact-us/ge...

[Gilbert2023 in reply to SlowDragon]

How much t3 do you think I might need ? and what should my levo be ? I realise you don’t know my specific needs but I doubt my gp does either

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Gilbert2023]

Typically we start adding T3 very SLOWLY

initially 5mcg or 2 x 2.5mcg

With over range Ft4 ……reducing Levo by 12.5mcg daily first 4-5 days before starting T3

[DandyButch]

When I was on Levothyroxine it did not agree with me at all. I am now on Liothyronine only via my NHS endo (second one because first one was dismissive). I am still not fully well, by any means, but my stomach issues have completely resolved. I have found that the NHS is very restricted with treatment options in respect of Hashimoto's Hypothyroidism, which I have. Whilst many people are fine with levothyroxine as sole treatment, there are many who are not.

Unfortunately, like myself, many get much worse before anyone listens and changes treatment. However, the dosing is based solely on TSH levels which I feel, myself, is not flexible enough for a patient still symptomatic.

[Gilbert2023]

thanks , what dose of t3 helped you , it’s hard to find an endocrinologist local enough and to be confident they will help