Still tired..?

[Mlsmit]

I was diagnosed in 2007 with underactive Thyroide. I have been on my medication since then and had no real problems. I have my yearly blood check to make sure the dosage of meds I am taking is correct. But for the last 4-5 months now, I find that by 5-6pm in the evening, I have a severe drop in energy and find myself sitting eating dinner wth my family and my eyes are dropping. I could easily have a short nap at this point, which I have done before, but with 2 young children and this being a busy time of the evening, I am often dragging myself around. I have recently had my blood check and the dosage I am on is fine, so why this tiredness or is it even related to my Thyroid at all? Has anyone experienced this?

[Moggie]

Could you please post your latest blood results (with ranges) on here so that we can get the full picture.

Some people have to increase their meds in the winter months so maybe this is what is happening to you.

Moggie x

[Mlsmit]

Thx Moggie, I would have to get them from my Doc, interesting that you say that the meds should be increased in the winter months. Is this a common symptom?

[Moggie]

A lot of people on here say that their symptoms increase during the winter months. If you have a look at meggie67's question, which is two down from your's titled "test results" her doctor is even admitting that symptoms can get worse in the winter.

Moggie x

[Mlsmit in reply to Moggie]

Hi Moggie, after a month I have been able to get a copy from my Dr of my results.

Test was done in Sep last yr. I have no idea what these things mean but here it goes

Serum free T4 level 19 pmol/L 10-22

Serum TSH level 3.0 mu/L 0.30-5.50

Cheers

[Clarebear in reply to Mlsmit]

Yes I agree with Moggie - most people feel better with their TSH under 1. I would go back to the doctor and ask for a trial increase of 25mcg of thyroxine.

You could go to the chemist and buy the little book "Understanding Thyroid Disorders" by Dr Anthony Toft to show to your GP - it only costs about £5.00. He is an emminent endocrinologist and in the book he says on page 88 (in my copy):

"Judging the correct dose of thyroxine

Your GP or thyroid specialist will usually prescribe a dose of thyroxine that raises the fT4 to the upper part of the normal range and reduces the TSH level in the blood to the lower part of the normal range.

Typical results would be a fT4 of 24pmol/l and a TSH of 0.2mU/l. In some patients a sense of well being is achieved only when fT4 is raised, for example 30pmol/l, and TSH low or undetectable. In this circumstance it is essential that the T3 level in the blood is unequivocally normal in order to avoid hyperthyroidsm." xx

[Moggie]

In my opinion, and it is only that, your TSH is still to high at 3 - it really needs to be one or under for you to even start feeling well. How much levo are you taking?

Moggie x