On Metformin now may have hypothyroidism

Hi All,
I've been diagnosed type 2 for 6 weeks now. Was pre diabetic and on low dose of metformin, Since diagnosis metformin increased and now apparently have borderline hypothyroidism with TFT at 6.9. GP hoping its going to settle on own and I have to have a repeat Thyroid function test in December to double check. If its still up I presume I will be put on Levothyroxine - yet another tablet and another problem. I've read today that there maybe a link between Metformin and thyroid problems, dose anyone have any experience of this?
Although my Blood sugars have improved on the Metformin and I have reduced some of my symptoms, I guess the thyroid problems may explain why I'm still feeling lethargic, can't stop sleeping and my brain still feels sluggish and I can't concentrate.
Everyone, including myself, normally puts all of this down to my depression, but maybe its not. If anyone have any thoughts or advise on how to cope with all of this I'd appreciate hearing from you.
Maggie/Magpie

amber22 said:

@Maggie/Magpie
Depression can be one of the symptoms of hypothyroidism as can all of the symptoms you are having.
I was diagnosed with hashimoto's hypothyroid in 2002.
If you do get prescribed thyroxine it should in time make some or all of those symptoms better. They will start you off with a lower dose and test again then increase if necessary.

Did you also have your T4, T3 and TPO antibodies tested?

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Hi Amber,
Don't think so. It's very difficult to find any information on TFT ranges let alone any others as apparently they are different up and down the country and not every one tests T4, T3 or TPO.
So drawing a blank on what to do now? I'm one of those people who have to be able to take control of my condition, feel in limbo and totally floundering as there's nothing I can do about it at the moment.
Maggie

amber22 said:

@Maggie/Magpie
You could have a look at this website if you haven't already.
http://www.thyroiduk.org.uk
Also, you could try to get a copy of your test results and they should have the reference ranges.
It is very common for those with underactive thyroids to have to wait a long time for diagnosis and treatment. That is because the TSH is not high enough even though the person has the symtoms.
Mine took more than a year and several tests.

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Ok thank you for reassurance, will look at website and try to be patient. Problem is I'm a worryer which makes the depression worse so I guess I'm in a catch 22 situation.
Maggie

Thank you all so much.
In my logic I know I shouldn't be able to loose weight if I have hypothyroidism because everything slows down, so maybe I shouldn't worry so much. But logically I shouldn't of been able to put on 3 stone in 12 weeks either when I was put on Olansapine but I did. So I don't know what to think really.
Maggie

himtoo said:

hi there
I was just about to add that it is the diabetes and the thyroid that are related -- not so much the meds for diabetes.
I have had T1 for 44 years and was diagnosed hypothyroid 5 months ago too.

I couldn't stop being cold , sleepy , and weepy for ages prior to diagnosis.

hope you can get some relief from symptoms soon
all the best !!

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Hi Himtoo,
The problem is being weepy and lethargic is normal for me as its a side effect of depression. I'm also always cold as I worked long term nights for 15 years, so that again is normal for me. But what I have been experiencing is really bad cold sweats and becoming soaking wet everywhere as a result, which is horrible. Has anyone got experience of that? It's not menopause as my hormone levels are fine they checked just in case. So I don't know what to think.
Maggie/Magpie

Freema said:

when I was too low in levothyroxine I gained 6 kg every month, and my GP just thought I was a very heavy chokolate eater... which i never have been

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Frustrating isn't it, medically everyone blames either my depression or my weight for all my symptoms no matter what I've got, you get fobbed off a lot when you have either. I've finally found a Gp who is very thorough and (although, he's blamed weight and depression a couple of times) he is prepared to rule other things out first just in case it isn't. So I guess I'm lucky in that I have found him.
Maggie