Help with hypo and cardio symptoms appreciated.

[Cinnamon]

I was diagnosed a year ago, after what I think was a decade of being borderline hypo. I take 25ug of levo and my last TSH measurement was 1.9. FT4 and FT3 are both 'within range'. My GP has prescribed ACE inhibitors and calcium channel blockers, neither of which had any effect on my blood pressure. She has finally decided to refer me to an endo. I also have Reynaud's syndrome (circulatory issues). I am convinced by BP issues are thyroid related, but have met with scepticism on this even though there seems to be a fair bit of research linking the two (I've been perusing the papers on pubmed). So, 1) does anyone have any experience with the endos at the RD&E in Exeter and 2) experience adding T3 to levo regarding BP issues? Thanks.

[Moggie]

I just put the word "pressure" in the search box at the top of the page and quite a few related questions came up - some are to do with low blood pressure but some are talking about high blood pressure. Have a go and see what you get you never know it may help. I tried putting "blood pressure" in but it didn't like that.

Moggie x

[Cinnamon in reply to Moggie]

Thanks. Will have a go with this.

[shaws Administrator]

25mcg is an extremely small dose. I assume it is because you have a heart problem?

Did you have any heart problems before you were diagnosed. I had problems before I was diagnosed and on levothyroxine I had continuous palps/tachycardia/missed beats etc. All went when I changed from levo. I had a 5day heart monitor after that and it was fine.

I assume you have high blood pressure? This is a link

stopthethyroidmadness.com/b...

This is a link to Dr Lowe and the 0.5mg he quotes is 50mcg of levo. cursor to 28th November 2003 and this is an excerpt

Dr. Lowe: Without question, you should do something else. Unfortunately, your doctor prescribed for you what our clinical and research experience has taught us is the least effective approach to thyroid hormone therapy—the use of T4 alone. Synthroid, of course, contains only T4.

Moreover, the dose he prescribed, 0.05 mg, is extremely small. It’s so extremely small that it's highly unlikely you'll benefit from it in any way no matter how long you take it. On the other hand, that small a dose may actually slow your metabolism more and worsen your symptoms. Perhaps this has happened, in that you say your symptoms have worsened since you started taking Synthroid.

It’s tragic that millions of patients such as yourself suffer needlessly for years because their doctors prescribe extremely small doses of T4 products. I advise all patients such as you to persuade their doctors to prescribe a product that contains both T4 and T3, such as Armour or Thyrolar. I also advise them to see to it—one way or another—that they take a high enough dose for it to be effective. Otherwise, the patients are almost certain to continue suffering.

Patients’ doctors often make matters worse for their under-treated hypothyroid patients. They do so by prescribing drugs to control the patients’ continuing symptoms of hypothyroidism. Almost invariably, the drugs have adverse effects, and these complicate and worsen the patients’ hypothyroid symptoms. So under their doctors’ influence, these patients begin their fall down the conventional medical spiral that has ruined the lives of scores of millions of hypothyroid patients.

You asked, "Should I do something else?" If you want to avoid that downward spiral and recover your health, the answer is a resounding, Yes—you should do something else! Either persuade your doctor to treat you effectively, or find another one who will.

web.archive.org/web/2010112...

[Cinnamon in reply to shaws]

Yup, I realise it's a small dose. Elevated BP started a bit over a decade ago, which is when I think my thyroid started to go out of whack. Prior to that time, my BP was consistently low. My mother was treated for hypo when she was in her early 30s (this all started when I was in my late 30s). I feel ok on 25ug. Have no idea what I'd feel like on a higher dose. Was finally medicated when my TSH went over 6 and my periods stopped a year ago. I've tried getting my GP to discuss NDT but it's a no go. She raised T3, but I'm a bit concerned that the dosage of synthetic T3 is like adding a wrecking ball to the mix (bad for the already elevated BP). The T3 in NDT seems so much lower, more balanced. What frustrates me most in all of this is the complete lack of interest in thyroid disease as well as a lack of joined up thinking and care on the NHS.

[Jackie]

Hi you are quite right , normally BP improves on the correct thyroid treatment, you do not say how you feel. With thyroid disease it is common to have various auto immune conditions. Also so many more, now, are caused auto immune. I have loads.You do need to make sure the endo you are referred to is one of your choice ,do all the research first and make sure they are brilliant, nice too if possible! A good endo is invaluable.Then say who you want to see, it is so important to find a good one.If BP does not improve make sure you have a 24 hour monitor as it could be white coat syndrome, if still bad ask to see a cardiologist specialising in BP, depends how bad it is!

Jackie

[Cinnamon in reply to Jackie]

Hi, Actually my BP did improve after starting the levo. However, life has been very stressful for the past five months (lost a house on the day I signed the contract, lived with friends for 4 months who are very chaotic, moved finally at the end of October). It's settling down and I've noticed my BP is lower since coming off the calcium channel blocker. I know the GP measure is somewhat due to white coat syndrome. I've recently had 24 monitoring. No results yet. I actually don't think I have a choice on endo -- there is choice on which hospital, but that's just silly because the next closest place after Exeter isn't rated as good. I'm girding my loins and doing research. I'd really like the chance to try NDT, but am not holding my breath.

[Jackie in reply to Cinnamon]

Hi Most endo`s prefer T4 ( levo) and then adding T3 if needed but are not keen on armour etc now that T3 is available. if good they will prescribe armour etc. privately but only as a last resort!Sounds as if you had a horrendous time also thyroid issues do make anxiety, depression etc worse in a lot of people. It will be interesting to see your 24 hour results. Calcium channel blockers are old with horrendous side effects and are normally only used if conventional treatment with Ace inhibitors is contra indicated There are several different Ace inhibitors and often quite high does are needed It may be worth experimenting with those again..If you are put on Beta Blockers ,make sure you take the drug after your thyroid test as it gives a false reading

If BP is high early AM that does have a cause, normally if high evening it is due to the stress of living etc. So more serious if AM.

Yoga T`ai chi etc are good for stress. i hope things improve soon.

Jackie

[Cinnamon in reply to Jackie]

Ramipril caused a deteriorating in kidney function. I never had trouble with kidney function, even with elevated BP, until I took an ACE. Calcium channel blocker was awful. Am curious about angiotensin II drugs. But, my thinking in all this is if my thyroid meds were right my BP would fall. Everything I've read implies this should be the case, as there are no underlying factors for high blood pressure.

[Jackie in reply to Cinnamon]

Hi There are cardio`s specialising in BP b at large hospitals. however it does come under and endo`s remit too. I have severe kidney failure and it an cause high BP, i used to always have to have an ace inhibitor. It is OK now as I have an ICD but ace inhibitors are also used for heart protection. Due to other problems I had to start taking extra salt ( nice!)and had to stop the ace inhibitor recently as it was lowering my dangerously low BP , both these things have made a huge difference to my low BP! I was originally put on ace inhibitors by a top nephrologist.

On another track , I just had a print out of my old records, so mad. Fought for 35 years to get thyroid treatment. My kidney man put in a letter that I had an endo problem in 1982. in those days I trusted doctors, any way they would have had a fit if you asked for copies of letters. I always do now!

I really think it would be worth a referral if things persist, make sure they are good!

Jackie