Underactive thyroid - trouble climbing stairs..?

[Flutegal]

Hi

I am 39 years old, weigh about 8 and a half stone, have hashimotos and take 125mcgs levothyroxine a day. My TSH is 0.06 and free T4 21.4. However I have experienced the following problem for a couple of years at least.

I dont know if its linked to my condition, but I have terrible trouble climbing flights of stairs. I'm exhausted after 1 or 2 flights.

Where I am working there are lots of flights of stairs to climb. There are lifts which are often busy. I have to use them as I just cant cope with stairs. I see older people going up the stairs with no problem. Is it hashimotos doing this to me?

Thanks

Flutegal

[greygoose]

It could very well be the low thyroid. I have the same problems. Have to sit down a couple of times on just one flight! lol Do you have asthma? Asthama can be a symptom of low thyroid, or it could be fatigued adrenals. Have a look here :

naturalnews.com/024985_cort...

Hugs, Grey

[Flutegal in reply to greygoose]

Thanks for the article. They did test my cortisol and it came back with a comment saying "satisfactory for an afternoon sample.."

I dont have asthma. Its like I am so unfit when it comes to stairs. I can walk without a problem , but no good standing still for long, or going up stairs. My legs feel like cement. Was wondering about MS but I dont get numbness. So I do not think its that.

[greygoose in reply to Flutegal]

It's not the afternoon that's important - especially all on it's own. Ideally you should have a 25 hour saliva test, but... Failing that, it should be done at 8.0 am. That's when the adrenals have to work hardest, you get you up out of bed and start your day.

Not being able to stand for long is hypo. A recognised symptom. Well, by those that know symptoms that is. Not doctors! lol

[Totoro]

I wonder what your T3 is like? I never got better on T4 and have just moved onto T3 only.

I used to struggle with stairs. It was a combination of general fatigue and my legs not working properly with low thyroid. It was like they were rusty and had trouble moving up and down, particularly the knee join/muscles. This improved a lot once I started taking T3 (with T4 in the beginning). With increases they got increasingly better.

It would be worth getting your T3 tested. Your T4 is up, probably near the upper part of your reference range. But that doesn't mean your T3 is. It depends on how well you convert it. It also depends on if you are converting too much T4 into reverse T3.

Hope this helps,

Totoro

[Flutegal in reply to Totoro]

Thanks

I dont really know, but I'm due to have everything like that retested in May.

I'd like to take T3 as ive heard it helps with depression and mental symptoms - of which i have problems with now and again.

I've noticed my heart racing when I climb stairs, probably due to my over medicated thyroid at the moment..the ref range is 0.1 - 4.0 so 0.06 is too high. But i've had the heavy leg feeling for a long time, even when I was very underactive.

I've also read it could be low vitamin D. I need to get that checked as it never has been.

Flutegal

[Jackie]

Hi That is a classic example of low Vit D,( hormonal) make sure you have it tested. If low, you then need a calcium test before treatment, repeat tests, 3 monthly of both . Increases of D as needed ,depending on the corrected calcium result . Calcium must always be in range, even if it means that you have to stop taking D.If D very low Osteomalacia, adult rickets. it is especially bad at night, leg pains, unique so easy to recognise once you have had them I notice your T4 is quite high, have you been checked for Free T3? Sometimes the body does not convert T4 to FT3, as it should and then you would probably need a a little less T4 and some T3 on a script. That might help too.

Best wishes,

Jackie

[Flutegal in reply to Jackie]

Thanks

I have not had my vit D tested. I work on cruise ships and the endo stupidly decided that wouldnt need testing. I never go out. And for example I'm at the top of Norway. Its not as if I'm lying by a pool in the caribbean. I am sure it could be that!

Also he never mentioned putting me on T3 and I am very interested in that since I get depression so much. I think I need a new endo!

[Jackie in reply to Flutegal]

Hi Yes, some GP`s seem to reluctant to prescribe T3 unless pushed, it is very expensive!! It may be worth paying for a vit D as it is quicker, my GP takes 3 weeks as so rarely done !!!City Hospital, do a basic NHS test but you do it all, through thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/te, it is £25, they ar offering it for their research. Phone them ,simple finger prick test, results to you by e mail I have to use Blue Horizon for my FT3 now as this NHS will no longer do it.I have to have my T3 right at the top of range, so important to keep it checked. They are the same site, I have the 3 tests for £61 if you quote, TUK 10 ( £10 discount). Their main site does loads of tests, more and some better than NHS ones but costs mount up. Quick, easy and results to you + ranges. A Harley Street doc checks them first, anything major they tell you ( they did me!)They are the same Lab as all the private hospitals use, fraction of the cost, so well know and accepted by all docs.Sounds a lovely experience, job wise.

Best wishes,

Jackie

[Heloise in reply to Flutegal]

Totoro asks good questions. Your FT3 number is vitally important and by hook or crook, you should try to get it. Your T3 may be going into STORAGE instead of USAGE and blocking receptors for effective T3 which would help you get up those steps. T3 would slowly unblock those receptors. T4 will only make more blockage. That is, IF your FT3 number is very low.

[Flutegal in reply to Heloise]

OK thank you I will get an endo to do all those blood tests.

[morebeans]

I really struggled on stairs and hills until my endo reduced my thyroxine from 125 to 100 and gave me 20mcg of T3. This has made a huge difference over time (about 6 months to full benefit) and I can now manage stairs like an averagely fit normal person. Endo also recommends D3 supplementation, so I added that in too at 2000iu (or 50mcg per day). After around 8 years of having to pause every third step or so, I'm amazed that I now take flights of stairs without a thought.

[Flutegal in reply to morebeans]

Hi gosh that sounds inspiring! I've just struggled up a few flights and been told to 'not look so miserable' by a total stranger.

I really want to try t3 - I think I need a new endo! Especially with a TSH of 0.06- my hearts going crazy!

[Josie16]

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