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I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism 10 years ago. I am 57 and seem unable to lose weight. Am tired to the point of exhaustion. My skin is dry, my voice is croaky, I cannot sleep for more than two hours at a time. I have pain in all my limbs and joints particuarly at night. Also I am extremely hot, to the point of feeling faint often. I take 125mcg of thyroxine every day but don't feel it does any good. I went to the GP recently who told me I was fat and depressed and needed to do more exercise and take anti depressants. Can you advise?
Optional Information: Person's Gender: Female Person's Age: 57 Already Tried: Was thinking about iodine supplements
Your symptoms sound like hypothyroidism but I assume your GP has already checked your levels. Be sure they did the correct tests which are: TSH, free T4, total T3 and TPO antibodies. If you have Hashimotos thyroiditis(high TPO antibodies) then your TSH should be about 1.0. If much higher then your dose of thyroxine is too low.
You could also be deficient in vitamin D which can cause the same symptoms. Have your GP measure 25 hydroxy vitamin D and if less then 30 you are low and should be treated.
Last possibility is Addisons disease, a low adrenal cortisol. This can be checked with an AM(7-9) serum cortisol. If your cortisol is low you will need to see an endrocrinologist.
Home these ideas help.
Experience: Endocrinology and metabolism practice for 35 years