Thyroid

[xbxbx]

Anyone Else With and under active thyroid heard about using selenium to supplement the levothyroxine? I lost so much hair and heard this can also help with that part of things…

Eating 1-2 Brazil nuts a day is all of the selenium you need. Admittedly they’re not the tastiest but give it a go and see how you get on.

Also, remember to take levothyroxine on an empty stomach and avoid caffeine and food for at least 30-60 minutes. This was the biggest game changer for me in terms of hair loss and regulating other symptoms. Some GPs unfortunately fail to tell patients how to properly take levothyroxine.

 

[catmama1692]

Hi everyone, I was wondering if anyone had experience of being pregnant with an over active thyroid? It got picked up in a blood test in July last year, got a letter in September to say I was on a waiting list and then nothing.. I fell pregnant in November and I'm currently nearly 13 weeks. I had a TFT a few days ago and now have 2 appointments with consultants in March but was just wondering if anyone knew the process and what they do in pregnancy?

 

[TwooTwooTwitTwitTwoo]

Hi everyone, I was wondering if anyone had experience of being pregnant with an over active thyroid? It got picked up in a blood test in July last year, got a letter in September to say I was on a waiting list and then nothing.. I fell pregnant in November and I'm currently nearly 13 weeks. I had a TFT a few days ago and now have 2 appointments with consultants in March but was just wondering if anyone knew the process and what they do in pregnancy?

Hi, mine was overactive during my pregnancies. Now they've found the issue they will monitor you with regular blood tests. There's a threshold where you'll need to start taking medication. You'll probably be under Consultant care for the rest of the pregnancy (and possibly all future ones) so you'll have more appointments. I saw my Consultant monthly initially I think.

I found that my consultant was really good at listening to what I wanted and we held off medicating at the point where they would have liked me to start taking it. They were very clear though that had my T3 and T4 levels raised any further that medication would no longer be a choice but an absolute necessity.

They would have put me on carbimazole. It might be worth reading up on it now so you can make informed choices.

You'll also need to have your thyroid levels checked regularly after pregnancy to see if they go back to normal. Longer term it will depend on what the reason behind your thyroid being overactive is, ie: autoimmune issue/multinodular goiter etc to how that is managed.

 

[catmama1692]

Hi, mine was overactive during my pregnancies. Now they've found the issue they will monitor you with regular blood tests. There's a threshold where you'll need to start taking medication. You'll probably be under Consultant care for the rest of the pregnancy (and possibly all future ones) so you'll have more appointments. I saw my Consultant monthly initially I think.

I found that my consultant was really good at listening to what I wanted and we held off medicating at the point where they would have liked me to start taking it. They were very clear though that had my T3 and T4 levels raised any further that medication would no longer be a choice but an absolute necessity.

They would have put me on carbimazole. It might be worth reading up on it now so you can make informed choices.

You'll also need to have your thyroid levels checked regularly after pregnancy to see if they go back to normal. Longer term it will depend on what the reason behind your thyroid being overactive is, ie: autoimmune issue/multinodular goiter etc to how that is managed.

Brilliant thank you so much for the reply! I'll read up on that drug now incase its mentioned it any appointments next month!
Yes I was expecting the regular blood tests, did you get induced a little bit early because of this? I've also got coeliac disease, previous c section and previous high BP so I'm wondering if I'll be delivering at 39 weeks again.
Unfortunately the thyroid issue was picked up before pregnancy so I doubt it'll return to normal after, it's just a bit annoying that these issues got picked up in July and I'm now only just getting appointments for it, I had no idea thyroid issues was such a big thing in pregnancies so wish I'd be warned about that!

 

[TwooTwooTwitTwitTwoo]

Brilliant thank you so much for the reply! I'll read up on that drug now incase its mentioned it any appointments next month!
Yes I was expecting the regular blood tests, did you get induced a little bit early because of this? I've also got coeliac disease, previous c section and previous high BP so I'm wondering if I'll be delivering at 39 weeks again.
Unfortunately the thyroid issue was picked up before pregnancy so I doubt it'll return to normal after, it's just a bit annoying that these issues got picked up in July and I'm now only just getting appointments for it, I had no idea thyroid issues was such a big thing in pregnancies so wish I'd be warned about that!

Yeah they are a concern but it can be managed so don't worry too much.

I bimbled along between mildly overactive and subclinically overactive for a few years but wasn't monitored for it during my second or third pregancies. It probably was overactive during those pregnancies but it didn't cause any problems.

My consultant did say he thinks it was likely very overactive during my first pregancy and the likely cause of the problems I had (growth restriction, born nearly six weeks prem with an underactive thyroid). My problem escalated immediately after I had number three and I became quite unwell for a while. My weight dropped to 5 and three quarter stone from about 7 and a half in the space of a fortnight!

It was my forth pregnancy it went a bit haywire in and being induced early was discussed as a potential need. It didn't happen in the end and he was born at 38 weeks.

My tsh was undetectable at one point though and I've fortunately managed to escape the need to take medication so far, so it's possible that even if you had been seen before now, they wouldn't neccessarily have prescribed you anything, or told you to delay a pregnancy, it may have just been a case watch and wait with regular blood tests.

Hopefully your appointments will offer some reassurance.

 

[monga]

Hi everyone, I was wondering if anyone had experience of being pregnant with an over active thyroid? It got picked up in a blood test in July last year, got a letter in September to say I was on a waiting list and then nothing.. I fell pregnant in November and I'm currently nearly 13 weeks. I had a TFT a few days ago and now have 2 appointments with consultants in March but was just wondering if anyone knew the process and what they do in pregnancy?

Yes I had it, but luckily mine is an autoimmune condition so it went away while pregnant,they were offering this although it’s not generally available to the public anymore and has to be strictly monitored…Hopefully yours will be the same, good luck for the rest of the pregnancy x

 

[Leahcar2019]

I’ve been looking for a thread like this for ages.

I had a blood test on Friday, and I suspect from my symptoms I have an underactive thyroid.

In December I was poorly with the virus that was going around, then in early January I was diagnosed with sinusitis.

I still haven’t got any energy, and I’m tired all the time. I wake up tired. I nap in the afternoons which I’ve never done, and go to bed early most nights.

In 2019 I lost 4 stone, but since then I’ve more or less put it all back on. It doesn’t matter how healthy I seem to eat, my weight doesn’t move.

I do feel the cold a lot, but I do also have periods of feeling hot and sweaty. Mostly in the mornings.

I have terrible brain fog, and my memory since Christmas has been really bad. I have no capacity at the moment to retain information, and I’ve made a few mistakes at work.

I’m on the pill so can’t comment on my periods, but I’ve always had heavy periods, and unfortunately issues with fertility too (I am 38 and childless).

I get pins and needles a lot - mostly in my hands and arms. I also get pain in the joints, but again mostly in my hands.

Other odd things:

- My hair since around October last year has become very luggy. I haven’t changed routine but it’s just so knotty all the time.
- In November my ring finger swelled up so bad I had to go to A&E and have my wedding ring cut off. They said it was as a result of trauma from knocking it, but I don’t remember doing that.
- Since October I have lost 4 toe nails - they have just come off - it’s not fungal as I went to the chiropodist who confirmed not.
- I get really bad acid, a lot.

Anyone else has any of the unusual symptoms and had underactive thyroid? I guess I’ll know for sure this week once my blood tests come back.

 

[Bidscavan]

I’ve been looking for a thread like this for ages.

I had a blood test on Friday, and I suspect from my symptoms I have an underactive thyroid.

In December I was poorly with the virus that was going around, then in early January I was diagnosed with sinusitis.

I still haven’t got any energy, and I’m tired all the time. I wake up tired. I nap in the afternoons which I’ve never done, and go to bed early most nights.

In 2019 I lost 4 stone, but since then I’ve more or less put it all back on. It doesn’t matter how healthy I seem to eat, my weight doesn’t move.

I do feel the cold a lot, but I do also have periods of feeling hot and sweaty. Mostly in the mornings.

I have terrible brain fog, and my memory since Christmas has been really bad. I have no capacity at the moment to retain information, and I’ve made a few mistakes at work.

I’m on the pill so can’t comment on my periods, but I’ve always had heavy periods, and unfortunately issues with fertility too (I am 38 and childless).

I get pins and needles a lot - mostly in my hands and arms. I also get pain in the joints, but again mostly in my hands.

Other odd things:

- My hair since around October last year has become very luggy. I haven’t changed routine but it’s just so knotty all the time.
- In November my ring finger swelled up so bad I had to go to A&E and have my wedding ring cut off. They said it was as a result of trauma from knocking it, but I don’t remember doing that.
- Since October I have lost 4 toe nails - they have just come off - it’s not fungal as I went to the chiropodist who confirmed not.
- I get really bad acid, a lot.

Anyone else has any of the unusual symptoms and had underactive thyroid? I guess I’ll know for sure this week once my blood tests come back.

I was diagnosed 6 yrs ago as been hyperactive but can go hypoactive sometimes and I think one is as hard to manage as the other. I get the pins and needles in my hands but mine is related to carpal tunnel which often can go hand in hand with thyroid problems. I was also deficient in b12 which can contribute to the pins and needles so might be worth checking out. I also suffer from reynauds disease which doesn't help the pins and needles either at certain times of the year. Brain fog with me is unreal but whether that is peri menopause related or thyroid I don't know. I have the joint pain too particularly in one of my shoulders .The weight thing is a viscious circle for me. When I was hyper I was skin and bone. As it came under control I put weight on but by jaysis I could be rolled down a hill now I don't eat vast amounts and I walk every day but there's no shifting it. Peri menopause related too maybe all I know is thyroid problems suck and when you think you've one bit sorted another bit pops its head up.

 

[Leahcar2019]

I was diagnosed 6 yrs ago as been hyperactive but can go hypoactive sometimes and I think one is as hard to manage as the other. I get the pins and needles in my hands but mine is related to carpal tunnel which often can go hand in hand with thyroid problems. I was also deficient in b12 which can contribute to the pins and needles so might be worth checking out. I also suffer from reynauds disease which doesn't help the pins and needles either at certain times of the year. Brain fog with me is unreal but whether that is peri menopause related or thyroid I don't know. I have the joint pain too particularly in one of my shoulders .The weight thing is a viscious circle for me. When I was hyper I was skin and bone. As it came under control I put weight on but by jaysis I could be rolled down a hill now I don't eat vast amounts and I walk every day but there's no shifting it. Peri menopause related too maybe all I know is thyroid problems suck and when you think you've one bit sorted another bit pops its head up.

Oh dear I’m sorry to hear all that - I took was wondering about peri-menopause - I’m only 38 but started my periods early (aged 10) so could be. It’s so hard being a woman sometimes isn’t it! Thanks for replying and hope you stay well!

 

[mcfeez]

I’ve been looking for a thread like this for ages.

I had a blood test on Friday, and I suspect from my symptoms I have an underactive thyroid.

In December I was poorly with the virus that was going around, then in early January I was diagnosed with sinusitis.

I still haven’t got any energy, and I’m tired all the time. I wake up tired. I nap in the afternoons which I’ve never done, and go to bed early most nights.

In 2019 I lost 4 stone, but since then I’ve more or less put it all back on. It doesn’t matter how healthy I seem to eat, my weight doesn’t move.

I do feel the cold a lot, but I do also have periods of feeling hot and sweaty. Mostly in the mornings.

I have terrible brain fog, and my memory since Christmas has been really bad. I have no capacity at the moment to retain information, and I’ve made a few mistakes at work.

I’m on the pill so can’t comment on my periods, but I’ve always had heavy periods, and unfortunately issues with fertility too (I am 38 and childless).

I get pins and needles a lot - mostly in my hands and arms. I also get pain in the joints, but again mostly in my hands.

Other odd things:

- My hair since around October last year has become very luggy. I haven’t changed routine but it’s just so knotty all the time.
- In November my ring finger swelled up so bad I had to go to A&E and have my wedding ring cut off. They said it was as a result of trauma from knocking it, but I don’t remember doing that.
- Since October I have lost 4 toe nails - they have just come off - it’s not fungal as I went to the chiropodist who confirmed not.
- I get really bad acid, a lot.

Anyone else has any of the unusual symptoms and had underactive thyroid? I guess I’ll know for sure this week once my blood tests come back.

In your "odd things" I did notice my hair as well, mine got so dry and hard to manage and was coming out a lot more in the shower. If your test comes back borderline (my first tests did) be sure to stress your symptoms as they will medicate you if you are having symptoms and they suspect the meds will help.

 

[Leahcar2019]

In your "odd things" I did notice my hair as well, mine got so dry and hard to manage and was coming out a lot more in the shower. If your test comes back borderline (my first tests did) be sure to stress your symptoms as they will medicate you if you are having symptoms and they suspect the meds will help.

Thanks - will do.

Hope your symptoms have settled down now.

 

[catmama1692]

Hi! I was diagnosed with OVER active thyroid in July, I'm now 14 weeks pregnant and had a TFT 2 weeks ago, just had call from midwife and I'm now UNDER active. Midwife just as confused as I am. Has anyone else fluctuated between the two?? Espesh in pregnancy? My first specialist appointment is in March so I haven't had any medication that would explain this change!

 

[monga]

Hi! I was diagnosed with OVER active thyroid in July, I'm now 14 weeks pregnant and had a TFT 2 weeks ago, just had call from midwife and I'm now UNDER active. Midwife just as confused as I am. Has anyone else fluctuated between the two?? Espesh in pregnancy? My first specialist appointment is in March so I haven't had any medication that would explain this change!

It’s usually goes away in pregnancy if it’s an autoimmune condition you have, you must contact your GP or consultant for advice if you’re running under.

 

[catmama1692]

It’s usually goes away in pregnancy if it’s an autoimmune condition you have, you must contact your GP or consultant for advice if you’re running under.

Hi! I got told it was overactive in july but that was all the info I got so I'm not sure what the cause of it is, I had the original TFT as I have a different autoimmune disease. Do you think that's what it is then? (I know your not a doctor, just open to opinions )
Yes I have 2 appointments for it next month just being pregnant, I'm a bit paranoid about it so looking for advice until then!

 

[monga]

Hi! I got told it was overactive in july but that was all the info I got so I'm not sure what the cause of it is, I had the original TFT as I have a different autoimmune disease. Do you think that's what it is then? (I know your not a doctor, just open to opinions )
Yes I have 2 appointments for it next month just being pregnant, I'm a bit paranoid about it so looking for advice until then!

Did they not start you on any medication or give you any diagnostic tests ( like a scan) ? If it’s hypo you really need to consult your GP and they’ll be able to ring the hospital and speak to your consultant as medication will be needed, unless you’re already on medication in that case they’ll tell you to stop, but ring your GP for advice tomorrow don’t wait till next month if your levels are abnormal…Please don’t worry it’s just with pregnancy they keep a very close eye on levels.

 

[catmama1692]

Did they not start you on any medication or give you any diagnostic tests ( like a scan) ? If it’s hypo you really need to consult your GP and they’ll be able to ring the hospital and speak to your consultant as medication will be needed, unless you’re already on medication in that case they’ll tell you to stop, but ring your GP for advice tomorrow don’t wait till next month if your levels are abnormal.

Nope absolutely nothing! They sent me the original letter telling me it was over active and that I was on a waiting list to be seen and then I didn't hear a thing! And then when I got pregnant I think the midwife gave them a kick up the arse and now they've given me my 1st appointment.
Oh really?? I know neither are great but I thought overactive was the more dangerous to have! I'll absolutely give them a ring tomorrow then and try to get to the bottom of it

 

[monga]

Nope absolutely nothing! They sent me the original letter telling me it was over active and that I was on a waiting list to be seen and then I didn't hear a thing! And then when I got pregnant I think the midwife gave them a kick up the arse and now they've given me my 1st appointment.
Oh really?? I know neither are great but I thought overactive was the more dangerous to have! I'll absolutely give them a ring tomorrow then and try to get to the bottom of it

That’s awful ,you’re supposed to be seen within six weeks and have tests carried out to the cause, that’s this bloody pandemic has held everything up, I suspect you probably have graves if it’s gone away in pregnancy but you’ll still need regular monitoring, phone your GP and see if they can ring the consultant pretend you’re feeling awful and tell them you’re worried, they won’t do anything other than give you medication but the GP won’t be able to prescribe it if you’re under consultant care ,they’ll be able to give them the go ahead over the phone to prescribe you something and probably give you another blood test in 6 weeks when it kicks in.

 

[catmama1692]

That’s awful ,you’re supposed to be seen within six weeks and have tests carried out to the cause, that’s this bloody pandemic has held everything up, I suspect you probably have graves if it’s gone away in pregnancy but you’ll still need regular monitoring, phone your GP and see if they can ring the consultant pretend you’re feeling awful and tell them you’re worried, they won’t do anything other than give you medication but the GP won’t be able to prescribe it if you’re under consultant care ,they’ll be able to give them the go ahead over the phone to prescribe you something and probably give you another blood test in 6 weeks when it kicks in.

Oh really!! I'm just annoyed aswell that I was given NO information about it!! It was literally "here's your diagnosis, deal with it til we can fit you in"
Yes I think it's definitely down to an autoimmune condition because like I said, I have a different one and they all seem to go hand in hand unfortunately!
Ahhh thanks so much for all your advice!! I'll definitely be calling the gp tomorrow and even ask if the specialist can fit me in sooner!

 

[monga]

Oh really!! I'm just annoyed aswell that I was given NO information about it!! It was literally "here's your diagnosis, deal with it til we can fit you in"
Yes I think it's definitely down to an autoimmune condition because like I said, I have a different one and they all seem to go hand in hand unfortunately!
Ahhh thanks so much for all your advice!! I'll definitely be calling the gp tomorrow and even ask if the specialist can fit me in sooner!

Good luck let us know how you get on x

 

[dinosaursideways]

Oh really!! I'm just annoyed aswell that I was given NO information about it!! It was literally "here's your diagnosis, deal with it til we can fit you in"
Yes I think it's definitely down to an autoimmune condition because like I said, I have a different one and they all seem to go hand in hand unfortunately!
Ahhh thanks so much for all your advice!! I'll definitely be calling the gp tomorrow and even ask if the specialist can fit me in sooner!

If they don't seem to be taking it seriously enough, referring to the NICE guidance may help - this is what they should be following. You don't have to understand it but it might help you say - you are not following the NICE recommendations in my care - and for you to know what you (should) be able to expect (though it's hard with how broken the NHS is now). It's really reassuring to hear you have a specialist appointment soon, but thyroid disorders can impact pregnancy and its really important you're getting the right care, not just from specialists but from your GP/midwife. I'm shocked (but not surprised) you didn't get seen any sooner when you were known to be hyper since last year.

For hyperthryoidism and pregnancy (https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/hyperthyroidism/management/pre-conception-pregnancy-postpartum/) NICE recommends that healthcare professionals 'Advise the woman to seek immediate medical advice if pregnancy is suspected or confirmed.' and 'Arrange referral to an endocrinology specialist for all women with overt or subclinical hyperthyroidism who are planning a pregnancy, for pre-pregnancy counselling.'

For hypothyroidism in pregnancy (https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/hypothyroidism/management/preconception-or-pregnant/) NICE state 'Discuss urgently with an endocrinologist regarding initiation of, or changes to, dosage of LT4 and TFT monitoring while waiting for specialist review.'


Also re the earlier discussion around selenium. If you are selenium deficient, taking selenium may improve how your body converts T4 to T3. In my case taking selenium supplements actually ended up in me needing a lower levothyroxine dose, because it improved my T4 to T3 conversion so much I ended up symptomatically hyperthyroid. Be careful with selenium supplements because you can get quite a lot of selenium from your diet and the level at which selenium is toxic is relatively low - if you eat brazil nuts/have a high diatery intake of selenium it may not be safe to take additional supplements.