I was recently diagnosed with Hashimoto's Hypothyroidism and started on thyroid 50 mcg for a few months now. I continue to have severe joint pain, generalized numbness and tingling without improvement on the medication that I am taking. What should I be doing differently? Do you have any recommendations?
About 1 in 8 women is diagnosed with Hashimoto's Hypothyroidism. It is very common and tends to run in families. It is recommended to repeat your thyroid function levels about 6-8 weeks after adjusting your medication. If your repeat thyroid levels are optimal (goal TSH in women 0.4-4.0 and also get a T3 level), then other blood work needs to be checked to evaluate your symptoms, including vitamin D and B12 levels and anemia and diabetes screening blood work.
I would recommend:
- Taking a Vitamin D supplement at least 2000 IU daily.
- Routine exercise 150 minutes per week.
- Decreasing your starch and refined carbohydrate intake from your diet.
- Read our columns on joint pain.
All My Best,
Speaking of Women's Health Nurse
January 29, 2019 at 5:19pm