Just been diagnosed with an underactive thyroid - can someone talk to me about it please ....

[ilovespinach]

I've been feeling abnormally tired for a while but just out it down to life with 2 small kids. I went to the dr though the other week when I noticed that my hair was falling out and going very fine on top. I have just had my blood test back and I have an underactive thyroid.

I will talk to the dr in full next week about what this means. Would welcome anyone else who has this to give me information on what this means to them etc.

I would also like to have another child but I gather it might not be straightforward

first things first - you should apply for a medical exemption certificate, as you should now get free prescriptions - for anything, not just the thyroxine.

I was diagnosed with an underactive thyroid aged 11 (over 20 years ago) and over the years, have seen my levels go up, and very occasionally down What that means is you have to have regular blood tests to ensre you are on the right amount of thyroxine.

I have had that conceiving can be difficult, but tbh, my GP and consultant didnt seem that concerned, and although it did take a while first time round, that was because i have PCOS. Ask you GP to refer you to an endocrinologist, as if you are thinking of TTC, he/she would be the best person to go through all the details with you.

Once you start taking your meds, you should feel a lot better, usually within a few weeks or so.

If you have any specific questions/worries, feel free to CAT

I am now classed as having an underactive thyroid after a near-total thyroidectomy due to it being highly OVER active in pregnancy. As far as medical conditions go, it is really easy to manage and to control the symptoms. My dh is also underactive and has been taking thyroxine for nearly 10 years.

The medication is a direct replacement for the hormone that you are not secreting enough of, so taking the tiny pills every day puts you back on an even keel, providing you take it every day. It seems a drag at first having to take lifelong medication, but after a while it really does become second nature.

I can't personally comment on feeling better as i have never had normal thyroid function, IYKWIM. DHs hair eventually grew back, although he had bald patches for a while ( I don't think he was necessarily taking his meds as often as he should have been)

An underactive thyroid is a risk factor for metabolic syndrome, which involves high blood levels of lipids, links with CHD and diabetes melitus. Controlling your condition now will safeguard your future health.

It will be necessary to have regular blood tests to see how well you are responding to your thyroxine. For me I have had endless faff changing doses.

On the upside, your prescriptions are free forever (saved a fortune!)

thanks for the replies A bit scary to have a lifelong condition...

Will have to check on the prescription charges as I live outside the UK