Blood test results show underactive thyroid - any advice welcome

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Hello - I've not posted in health before but thought someone here might have been in a similar position...

I started exercising a few times a week a few months back which resulted in some horrendous migraines within 30 mins of finishing exercising. I have terrible auras so can't drive and it leaves me feeling exhausted afterwards. After suffering for a couple of months I visited the Dr who suggested a full set of blood tests.

I went back on Monday and the Dr told me that there are signs of an underactive thyroid and to come back in 6 months for further blood tests. After having a sore shoulder all week and trouble sleeping I went back today (different Dr) she gave me some anti-inflammatories so I asked her about the thyroid result (I didn't ask any questions on Monday). She said that I do have an underactive thyroid but they have to retest before treating and to wait 6 months.

I've looked online and I have lots of the symptons (tiredness, feeling down, weight gain - this is why I started exercising, feeling the cold) but I also have other symptons, such as the muscle aches, blurred vision - could these be related too.

I'm not looking for any answers but just wondering if anyone else has been in this situation. Just feel like I'm waiting for my blood test in 6 months time but now wondering if I'm just going to keep putting weight on until then and not feeling great at the same time.

I really don't understand why your Dr put you on only 50 mgs with a TSH of over 6. and T4 10.
I do not know what the TSH of my sis was at the time but she was immediately put on 150mgs - over 30 years ago- and now much older is on just 75. Her's improved over the years but was brought on after her second pregnancy, which sometimes happens and corrects itself.
She was on the higher dose for years though.
They should be sorting out why you have too high antibodies, which usually means an infection. I had an infection of the Thyroid and was treated with cortisone for 6 weeks.

my dr has cancelled my blood tests and told me to wait until sept for a review for any increase in meds even though i've said i still feel tired etc on 50mcg after a month. is this normal? even the leaflet in meds box says review every 3-4 weeks.....

You'd normally expect to review at 6 weeks.

More to the point, if you are under 60 and have no signs of ischaemic heart disease, it has been proven that fannying about with small doses is a waste of time. Your starting dose should be 100mcg and you should then titrate up or down from there. 50mcg is not enough to tell whether thyroxine will produce an improvement in your levels or your well being.

you could ask to see another gp, or simply increase the dose yourself to, say, 75 ( 50 one day, 100 the next), then tell the gp what you did a few weeks later. better to try another gp i would say tho as yours sounds inexpert

hi all, I've now finally had more tests - my TSH is down to 1.63 - but my free t4 is only 12.I'm on 50 mcg and doctor has not seen me but left a message with receptionists that no action needed. he's also said apparently I need a low fat diet as my cholesterol is high - but this is a symptom of hypo isn't it? has anyone had experience of getting levo dose increased with these levels? I still feel tired but dr says he goes by blood results only which seems a bit daft!

bump? got dr appointment next week, hoping not to be fobbed off by them....

I can't do links, but please look at the Thyroid UK website to arm yourself with their advice.
Your TSH of 1.63 is fine, but the T4 is recommended to be in the higher range and your 12 is only just above the lowest range. Also advised is to test the T3 < which my GP also does not do>. IMO GP should up your Thyroxine dose and test later to see if the T4 has risen to high teens.

Good luck with your Monday appt.

Hi everyone, just had a quick read through the thread. Hope no one mind me leaping in here .... I just found out I have hashimotos last week after feeling like total crap for a while and suffering awful hives and angioedema. Not sure of any levels as I have a follow up shortly. But in the meantime what the hell to do about the swelling of my face!?????? I am waking up every morning with a HUGE eyelid and / or lips!! I look like a monster. Cant go anywhere thats for sure. Will this stop when I begin the approp meds or are these just problems I have to learn to live with?? I would frighten small children if I went out with my face all crazy :( HELP

I know this is an old thread, but I'm just off loading really. I've been tested for under active thyroid today (amongst other things). The doctor suggested the test due to muscle weakness, and although I vowed not to use doctor Google I did. I've also experienced extreme tiredness (for a long time) heavy slightly irregular periods, numbness in hands, low levels of concentration, extremely poor memory and low sex drive.

I know all these symptoms are very general and may not be related to each other.

I hope you're all feeling better and managed to get the help you needed.

I'll just have to try and forget about it all until the blood results are through.

brownpaint I am in the same position. Had the blood test yesterday and waiting for the results on Friday.

Wish I was more patient.