Just been diagnosed with hypothyroidism

[Amiable]

Hi all, having felt sh!t for ages I have just been diagnosed with hypothyroidism. My T4 level is 8 (should be 9-19) and my TSH level is 33.97 (should be 0.35-4.94!!). My lovely doc has got me on 50mcg levothyroxine, and signed me off work for 3 weeks as I really have hit rock bottom. Anybody got any other tips to help me get back on my feet?

When I first started taking thyroxin apart from the shakes to start with I gradually just felt better and better and was surprised how much energy I had once my levels were right. Also did a course learning about CBT through IAPT for low mood and depression which can be a side effect of hypothyroidism and was for me. Hope you feel better soon

Thanks homey! I'm really relieved to finally have an answer for constantly feeling so tired and aching all the time, even after a good night's sleep! I've been on citolopram for depression for 3 years, and I'm sure the hypothyroidism hasn't helped. I'm wondering how long my thyroid has been underactive, as I've been feeling run down for years, but assumed that's what it feels like to be mid/late forties with 2 young kids!

I agree you gradually feel run down so not noticeable straight away, I personally found the course great for me as anti depressants didn't agree with me and is government funded so always an option if you ever fancied it. They say it takes a while for them to work however if I forget my thyroxin for a day or 2 I definitely notice I feel tired and achy and cold so hope they start working for you soon.

How are you feeling Amiable?

I was diagnosed 15 years ago - it took a bit of time to get the right dosage but it made a huge difference to my energy levels plus all those pesky symptoms went away. The tablets are tiny and you get a medical exemption card from the NHS so they're free. Changed my life.

I was diagnosed about a year ago and im so much better with medication. Like many hypothyroid sufferers, i had low ferritin, B12, vit D and folate! But once i got my levels up, life started feeling much better. It's good that you've been started on 50mg, but you'll most likely need more once you get tested again after 6 weeks.