Hypothyroidism

[Tiddlesem]

Hello, I was initially diagnosed with hypothyroidism in my late teens early 20s (I can't remember exactly when it was). I was put on 25mg and stayed on this ever since except when pregnant when it was increased to 50mg and I have been on this dose since which has been for last 4 years.

I recently had my bloods done and they said thyroid levels were fine but I am so tired. I have to nap everyday. I have so little energy i have to compromise what I can and can't do. I need to educate myself further on optimal levels for my thyroid so just looking for some advice. I also have low ferritin levels at 11 which I take iron tablets for.

Can anyone share some resources simple and easy to understand as i find it very confusing and overwhelming so I can advocate for myself at an upcoming gp appointment. I feel fobbed off and not listened to as my gp tries to tell me i am depressed and need an increase in my AD when really it's the low energy and tiredness that is making me feel depressed becssue I can't do what I want to do with my children! I am just suriving! Any advice would be greatly appreciated thanks.

50 mcg is a tiny amount OP. If you have symptoms of hypothyroidism and it sounds like you do, then you likely need an increase of dosage. Do you have your thyroid results (with ranges) you can post here? Many of us on this forum have hypothyroidism, including myself.

Low ferritin is very much associated with fatigue and feeling awful, too. It often goes hand in hand with hypo. Your doctor telling you that you are depressed is a tactic often used, or perhaps they simply don't understand at all, but being hypo affects your mental health as much as anything, you need thyroid hormone to get rid of depression in that case! Not anti-depressants.

https://www.tpauk.com/main/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Self-notes-about-your-Hypothyroid-symptoms.pdf

Definitely sort your ferritin levels out.

I feel much better now. No change in thyroid meds. Take iron supplements every other day, as it works better.

@CrunchyCarrot I don't have my thyroid levels but I will request them at my next appointment and update once I have them. I've also started to think that 50mg is a very small amount especially since its more than 10 years since I've been diagnosed.

My ferritin levels were 11 when tested last and low folic acid also. I've been taking the iron supplement but it gives me terrible constipation. I don't notice a great difference from taking them. Still experience immense exhaustion whereby come 1/2pm I have to lie down and physically can't do anything unless I have some rest or preferably a nap. It's so depressing to be honest.

That info sheet is very helpful thank @CrunchyCarrot. @Coldupnorth7 can I ask why every other day fir the iron supplement?

No-one should have to live that way, it's mentally and physically exhausting. It's a life barely lived.

Iron supplements can be notoriously hard to take due to constipation and/or poor absorption (and people with hypothyroidism often have low stomach acid and don't absorb their food well). Maybe try Spatone (a much lower amount but some people find it's more successful to raise iron levels). Be sure to take with some Vit C or in orange juice. And don't take iron supps anywhere near thyroid meds, best take the other end of the day!

Yep, there's a thread on here asking the best way that was very helpful. So I followed the advice.

Every day upset my tummy. It's more effective every other day & easier to tolerate.

I also eat iron rich food occasionally too. I feel a lot better now. Was pretty tired & cold before with sore hands & feet.

I have been like this for years now, Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Constantly tired, regardless of what dose I have been on, makes no difference. Have applied for DLA (Scottish equivalent) as I have had enough of struggling on and just existing each and every day.

Can you get blood tests for B12 and coeliac done? Either of those could make you very tired and have low iron. Both autoimmune and associated with Hashimoto's.

So hard to live with daily fatigue, please sign for better care and get friends family to sign too and share on social media, thank you
https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/642233

I'm 70 and have only had hypothyroidism the last couple of years but have the same problem as you, OP. At least I don't have to look after children. I hope there is a solution

I've osteoarthritis as well. Diagnosed before age of 40. Often causes fatigue. Double whammy!