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Fatigued

Updated on September 12, 2018 in Ask A Coach
3 on September 11, 2018

My body has trouble making T3 from T4.  My thyroid antibody test (TPO)  was 114 in Dec.  I have switched from Levothyroxine (100 mcg) to Armour Thyroid (120 mg) but my insurance won’t pay for it.  This switch was for 4 weeks and my Dr. said to go back to the Levothyroxine which I haven’t done because I am waiting for my pills to be used up. I am tired all day until about supper time.  I do have sleep apnea and wear a mouth guard at night.  What would you suggest.  Thank you so very much.  Freddie 2

 
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1 on September 12, 2018

Adequate zinc and selenium are necessary for conversion from T4 to T3, so make sure you are getting a few Brazil nuts per day (great for selenium), and adequate zinc from nuts, seeds, eggs, and chicken. Stress, environmental toxins (heavy metals, fluoride), inflammation, and not enough calories can impact thyroid function as well. How is your self-care overall? (nutrition, sleep, exercise, stress, etc.)

on September 12, 2018

Thank you so much.  I do take zinc (30 mg), & selenium (200 mcg) daily.  I do have sleep apnea and have tried a face mask but have been wearing a mouth guard which my dentist made for me and I like it much better. I have been wearing it for a year.  I just had a complete elbow replacement May 30.  Doing quite well but still have restrictions on lifting.  I am not exercising like I should and walking not as much as I used to.  What do you think of adding T3 to my meds?  After my fall off a ladder and broke my same elbow in 2013 and had subdural hematoma,  I  have been diagnosed  with late onset of dementia.  Manny many thanks for any input.   Freddie2

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0 on September 12, 2018

Thanks for sharing, Freddie2. I am very sorry to hear about your fall and its impact and I a so glad that you are getting support for your sleep–as this is absolutely imperative for your brain.

I would encourage you to talk with one of our functional medicine doctors regarding any additions to your thyroid hormone replacement regimen. In the meantime, what kind of exercise would you be able to do? Increase walking? Something else? Movement should help significantly with your fatigue, and be sure you are drinking enough water, as dehydration is one of the most under-recognized reasons for fatigue. Best!

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