Underachive thyroid

[Telandee]

I've recently been diagnosed with an under active thryroid and on 75micragrams of Levothyroxine a day.  Since being diagnosed I have gained another 5lb in weight (since January).  Is there anything I should be doing with my diet i.e. certain foods I should be eating or avoiding.  I'm getting pretty desperate now and would welcome any advice..........

[gimel]

In the US the law requires that patients be given copies of their medical reports upon request.  Not sure what the requirements are in the UK about being able to get an actual copy of the results.  I do know that our UK members are usually able to call and get the test results and reference ranges.  We also have learned that it is difficult in the UK to get adequately tested and treated for hypothyroidism, due to the NHS position about TSH being all that is necessary to diagnose and treat a thyroid patient.

For perspective a good thyroid doctor will treat a hypo patient clinically by testing and adjusting the biologically active thyroid hormones, Free T3 and free T4, as necessary to relieve symptoms, without being constrained by resultant TSH levels.  Symptom relief should be all important, not just test results.  

One of our members went through a difficult time getting adequate testing and treatment from her doctors finally found this to work for her.

"What I have learned from my experience is that you have to go to the Dr's office and TELL THEM WHAT YOU WANT and to go backed up with knowledge.  You have to tell them that you have done your reading and looked into your condition and care about the long-term treatment of your health and thyroid.  If you fight for what you want, you will eventually find someone that is happy to go along with your wishes.  But we all have to take charge of our own health, right?"

So you have to learn about hypothyroidism and proper testing and treatment and then become your own best advocate for getting what you need.  Members here will be glad to help every way possible.  I suggest that you start by reading through this preliminary copy of an article written by a good thyroid doctor that I highly respect for his knowledge and experience, and then hit us with your questions.  

http://hormonerestoration.com/Thyroid.html

[Telandee]

Thats a bit difficult as I don't have my test results.  This is all new to me and I didn't realise I could have access to the results.  If I rang my local medical centre would they be able to give them to me over the phone?

[gimel]

Just because you have started on T4 meds does not mean that your thyroid levels have been optimized enough to relieve symptoms like weight gain.  Please post your thyroid test results and their reference ranges so that members can assess the adequacy of your testing and treatment.