1 reply to this topic

[snoah]

Hello!

I was diagnosed with hypothryoidism back in 2001. I have been taking medication (synthroid) ever since and while most of the time I am within normal range (1-3) they have not been able to successfully stabilize my levels and I keep having to adjust my medication. I was at 125mg and today I have been told to switch to 137.5mg because my level has crept up a little bit.

I get it tested now about every 6 months. I went it the last time because I was feeling off, my skin felt thick and scaly, I have tinnitus and the volume had increased considerably, low energy. Is there anything that you would recommend that would be a help towards my thyroid condition? Also, is the fish oil okay to take with my synthroid medication?

Thanks!

[DrFionaMcCulloch]

Hello,

I'd definitely take any supplements at least 4 hours away from your synthroid medication as it has been shown that thyroxin can interfere with usage of different minerals and vice versa, but if you take them with enough time between then this is not a problem! Fish oil is safe to take with thyroxin, but again most likely best to separate by time even though no research has so far found it to be a problem in taking at the same time.

Question regarding your thyroid: have you had your thyroid antibodies checked? anti TPO and anti TG?
Its important to have your TSH at an optimal level if you have a known thyroid condition, as well so this may require some adjustment. When you become pregnant demands on the thyroid increase so it's good to have a bit of a safety net with thyroid hormone in case your thyroid doesn't respond well to avoid miscarriage, and also to have your thyroid hormones tested again regularly in the beginning of pregnancy and throughout. Prior to pregnancy, it's often recommended to have your TSH value towards the lower end of the middle, if you have known hypothyroidism and are trying to conceive. This can be achieved by optimizing your dose of thyroxin with your MD.

There are some nutrients which can help such as Tyrosine, which is a basic precursor of thyroid hormone, dose is 1 gram daily. Some herbs such as kaempferol, bacopa and coleus can also increase thyroid function according to research, depending on what your individual profile is of thyroid hormones.
warmest regards,
Dr Fiona