On Metformin now may have hypothyroidism

[Maggie/Magpie]

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]

@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?

 

[Maggie/Magpie]

@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?

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]

@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 an underactive thyroid to have to wait a long time for diagnosis and treatment. That is because the TSH is not high enough to fulfil the diagnostic criteria even though the person has the symtoms.
Mine took more than a year and several tests.

 

[Maggie/Magpie]

@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.

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

 

[amber22]

@Maggie/Magpie
Don't worry about having to take another tablet - thyroxine- if it is prescribed for your thyroid. I wouldn't be without mine.
I and others I've spoken to over the years felt the effects from the first tablet. You didn't say if you feel the cold with your thyroid symptoms but if you do you must keep yourself warm. I think there are many of us on these forums with autoimmune thyroid disease. Take care and post again if you have any more questions or worries.

 

[himtoo]

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 !!

 

[Freema]

it is also close to impossible to loose weight if one is hypothyroid, then the medication is godsend for most... I am myself on levothyroxine as I do not produce any hormon myself... I think it is okay to be on that medication, just make sure to have your blood number measured the first years more than every half year... so you find the right level for your dosis... wish you luck with it all...
I have been on thyroid medication for 18 years and just have become diabetic 5 month ago..

 

[Maggie/Magpie]

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

 

[Maggie/Magpie]

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 !!

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]

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

 

[Maggie/Magpie]

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

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

 

[Freema]

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

yes he seems responsible ... and you keep an eye on it all too , and make sure to push on if you think anything is wrong, rather sooner than later..

 

[PatsyB]

I have had hypothyroidism since I was 26 years old and maybe longer...I was doing Trainee Nursing at the time and when doing the endocrine glands I thought hey I have some of thiose symptoms and promptly went to the docs who took a blood test and yes I had Hypothyroidism so was started on levothyroxine....with in two years I had my first child and two years later my second child.....not untill I was 66 years young did I find out i had diabetes which I have to say I hate with a vengence but hey I think we all do....they will check your bloods yearly for under active thyroid to ensure the tablets are keeping you with in range....