Help !

[Newgreen]

been diagnosed with underactive thyroid for 27 years , been on thyroxine tablets but never relieved my symptoms. Blood always okay but always feel tired , low , dry skin, hair thinning , poor sleep. Where do I go from here.

[Jazzw]

Welcome Newgreen!

{Sigh} Many of us know exactly how you feel. That’s pretty much why this forum exists!

Do you have any of your “ok” thyroid blood tests to share? The usual problem is that “ok” is a long way from “optimal”. And the second problem is that when you’re left even slightly undermedicated for a long time, it leads to secondary issues like vitamin and mineral deficiencies, which in turn can leave you feeling very under the weather.

So, first step—how much levothyroxine are you prescribed? And what are your most recent blood test results?

[jgelliss in reply to Jazzw]

👍👍👍👍

[Buddy195 Administrator]

Welcome to the forum Newgreen,

So we can offer better advice, can you tell us more about your thyroid condition, eg current medication & dosage, plus blood test results (with ranges in brackets) for:

TSH

FT3

FT4

Plus any antibody and key vitamin tests (ferritin, folate, vitamins D and B12)

In the first instance, do ask your GP for the above tests. We don’t recommend supplementing key vitamins without testing first (and sharing results with us).

If your GP is unable to complete all the above (eg if TSH is within range, some surgeries may not be able to access FT4 and FT3 tests), you could look to do this privately, as many forum members do, for a better picture of your thyroid health:

thyroiduk.org/help-and-supp...

When GPs say results are ‘okay’ (ie within range) this may not be ‘optimal’ where you feel most well. Please ask for copies of blood tests (you are legally entitled to these) and share with us.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Welcome to the forum

Your story is very familiar

Just testing TSH is completely inadequate, but frequently all that’s done these days

You always need TSH, Ft4 and Ft3 tested

This is often only available via private testing

ALWAYS test 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

How much levothyroxine are you currently taking

Which brand are you taking

Do you always get same brand

As your hypothyroidism started after pregnancy it’s highly likely cause is autoimmune

Have you had coeliac blood test

Are you on gluten free diet or dairy free diet

What vitamin supplements are you currently taking

When were vitamin levels last tested

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...

Medichecks and BH also offer private blood draw at clinic near you, or private nurse to your own home…..for an extra fee

Only do private testing early Monday or Tuesday morning.

Tips on how to do DIY finger prick test

support.medichecks.com/hc/e...

If you normally take levothyroxine at bedtime/in night ...adjust timings as follows prior to blood test

If testing Monday morning, delay Saturday evening dose levothyroxine until Sunday morning. Delay Sunday evening dose levothyroxine until after blood test on Monday morning. Take Monday evening dose levothyroxine as per normal

IMPORTANT......If you are taking vitamin B complex, or any supplements containing biotin, remember to stop these 3-5 days before ALL BLOOD TESTS , as biotin can falsely affect test results

endocrinenews.endocrine.org...

In days before blood test, when you stop vitamin B complex, you might want to consider taking a separate folate supplement (eg Jarrow methyl folate 400mcg) and continue separate B12 if last test result serum B12 was below 500 or active B12 (private test) under 70

[UFU011878]

Many of us have been there, done that! My health was in an awful state, but thanks to the advice on this forum, I'm now much better and much more informed. It's hard to get started when you're feeling awful and overwhelmed, but getting your blood tests done is the starting point. After that your next steps become clear and you'll start to feel better

[jgelliss]

My Sympathy for you. I recently had labs done and I too was in range. I learned from the Wonderful Members here to not always go by lab results but rather how we feel. I raised my T4 from 150mcg to 175mcg. After three days I started to feel better. Now it's over one week and I feel a Huge Difference. My sleep improved . And my back pain is much better. The lab results Only show the results the moment the labs are done. Cellular results only You are the Judge of that. There is no testing for Cellular Results. Trust Yourself what You Feel.

Best wishes for Great Resolutions.