HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Headache, Fatigue, Muscle And Joint Pain. Blood Test Showed Elevated TSH Level. Any Cure?

default
Posted on Mon, 11 Mar 2013
Question: My results just came back in from my blood work today and my primary care doctor called me and let me know my sythyroid was being upped from .125 to two of those a day, so to .250. I asked why and he told me my TSH is at 387.4. My t3 and t4 are a little off but nothing to be concerned with he says, he just said that TSH is very worrisome. My TSH got up to 140 about 5 months ago and my dr freaked out and explained about the risk for coma, cardiac, and pulmonary problems. So I'm pretty sure that 387 is a whole lot worse. Plus if you read what I previously posted then you'll understand that I also just feel like crap. I can't even think straight. Constant headache, fatigue, light headed, muscle and joint pain, freezing my butt off, and it literally just feels like I can't even mutter an ounce of energy. I have to take breaks when chewing a mouthful of food because I get so tired. What do I need to be doing? I started my first dose of .250 synthyroid today but I'm just worried something bad may happen in the time it takes to work. But I also know ERs don't exactly have anything to do to help thyroid patients.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (5 hours later)
Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic

It is understandable to be concerned.

While there are no foods that can promote thyroid function, there are some that can affect the absorption of your thyroid hormone replacement and therefore affect its function.
Absorption of the medication into your system is increased if it is taken on an empty stomach, this is why it is best taken in the morning before breakfast.

Foods such as walnut and increased fibre ( cabbage, turnips,cauliflower, broccoli) can decrease absorption.

It can also interact with some medications such as amitriptyline. These two medications can possibly interact , in some persons, resulting in cardiac symptoms. You may want to consider discussing it with your doctor.

In terms of activity: hypothyroidism is associated with decreased tone and makes you prone to injury to the ligaments, for this reason caution is advised in any extreme activity or contact sport.

In general the medication takes a few weeks (about 4) before the effects of the increased dose is seen.

It is unlikely , at your age, that you have alot of other risk factors for disease such as high blood pressure, diabetes,high cholesterol, smoking and excess alcohol use. If any of these are present if would be important that they be controlled to prevent them increasing your risk of any complications.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Headache, Fatigue, Muscle And Joint Pain. Blood Test Showed Elevated TSH Level. Any Cure?

Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic

It is understandable to be concerned.

While there are no foods that can promote thyroid function, there are some that can affect the absorption of your thyroid hormone replacement and therefore affect its function.
Absorption of the medication into your system is increased if it is taken on an empty stomach, this is why it is best taken in the morning before breakfast.

Foods such as walnut and increased fibre ( cabbage, turnips,cauliflower, broccoli) can decrease absorption.

It can also interact with some medications such as amitriptyline. These two medications can possibly interact , in some persons, resulting in cardiac symptoms. You may want to consider discussing it with your doctor.

In terms of activity: hypothyroidism is associated with decreased tone and makes you prone to injury to the ligaments, for this reason caution is advised in any extreme activity or contact sport.

In general the medication takes a few weeks (about 4) before the effects of the increased dose is seen.

It is unlikely , at your age, that you have alot of other risk factors for disease such as high blood pressure, diabetes,high cholesterol, smoking and excess alcohol use. If any of these are present if would be important that they be controlled to prevent them increasing your risk of any complications.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions