Thyroid autoimmune disorder

[Gerbera55]

Hi,
I was diagnosed with a borderline underactive thyroid in 2024 pre-pregnancy during fertility treatment and have taken Levothyroxine ever since.

I was told that I wouldn’t need to continue meds after baby was born, as my levels were borderline. When I told the consultant I had felt instantly better after starting meds (I didn’t even realise how awful I felt until I didn’t anymore) he said to carry on taking it and to have bloods taken at around 12weeks PP. My TSH was 0.51 (November). My GP told me to stop taking my levothyroxine every day and instead take it every other day, I did this and felt awful so went back to taking it every day.

I went to the GP re. following symptoms:

• excessive hair loss
• fatigue
• muscle and joint pain

Bloods were taken in December and as well as low vitamin D, my TPO was 720. I’ve had a phone call with the GP re. these results and she’s mentioned autoimmune thyroid disease but didn’t really give details or answer any questions, just said to keep taking the Levothyroxine.

I could really do with some advice/information cause I’m spiralling, I feel like I’ve been left in the lurch completely.

There is a lot of information about hashimotos online - get googling. But in short, stay on your thyroxine, take selenium supplements and take care to keep your iron at an optimal level (which is higher than what the NHS say is normal). Get an annual blood test to check levels and adjust medication if needed. It's excellent news that you have been diagnosed so early on in the progression of the disease. It is much harder to get well if you've been left with no treatment for years. I was in a similar situation to you 20 years ago, got on the medication early and have remained very well.

Sorry, I just reread and realised you are still feeling unwell. You may really need the selenium to convert thyroxine to T3. Do this for a few weeks to see if it makes a difference. Nutrition generally is very important as your body processes minerals differently with this disease. I can't remember the details but it's all online. GPs won't tell you so don't rely on them.

How much are you taking per day? You need a blood test to include T3,T4,TSH. Many of us test privately by medichecks or similar. You may need a dose increase and you may or may not get that on the NHS. Try the Health Unlocked Thyroid board for advice