Ok what's with the spots - 3 weeks on levo and I have more spots then I did as a teenager!

[Piplysmelie]

[sisa1975]

I was on Levo for many years/ decades and during those years I always suffered with spots. My skin always looked like you say - a teenager's skin. Good news is that since ditching Levo nearly 2 years ago and switching to NDT my spots problem has gone. I also started using pure organic coconut oil as my face cream. My skin is feels perfect now (except a couple of scars from old spots ).

[Piplysmelie in reply to sisa1975]

Thanks for this reply, I did wonder if it was because of the levo. I would love to give armour ago but as the doctor has only just agreed something s wrong and given me levo I don't think he will write a prescription for NDT.

Can I ask how you made the swap?

[Melissa76]

i've been on levo 9 days and i've got loads of spots too

[Piplysmelie]

Just awful isn't it think I preferred the dry skin to be honest!

[Melissa76]

yeah, i've never had to wear make up but looks like i might have to start, unless theres yet another vitamin that can help with the spots...

[sisa1975]

Haha, that's a good question. I was on Levo for a few years when I was a teenager. Then apparently my thyroid woke up and started functioning well, so they took me off it. Then I was put on Levo again at the age of 28 and was parked on it for about 8 years. I would still be on it now if it wasn't for my accidental discovery of the Thyroid UK charity and this forum. I was suffering with many thyroid related health issues and whilst searching for answers to my vitamin B12 deficiency I found this forum where I found the answers which slowly but surely proved to be the right ones. The Thyroid UK charity's info pack provided me with all the information I needed to start with. I realised that I had to see a private Endo, that was the only way to get NDT and to be able to see how it was going to compare to the Levo treatment.

What I can say now is that I would NEVER go back on Levo again.

However, some people apparently feel well on Levo. Unfortunately that wasn't my experience.

[Piplysmelie in reply to sisa1975]

Thanks Sisa

If you don't mind me asking once you got NDT from the endo were you then able to get it on the NHS? If not how much does it cost each month? Also does your GP do the blood tests for you?

I am just trying to work out if I can afford to do it privately?

Thanks

Pip

[Clarebear in reply to Piplysmelie]

I managed, with great difficulty, to get my private endo to prescribe NDT for me. He reluctantly agreed as he said he would prefer to do that and monitor me with blood tests, than me go and order it form the internet and self-medicate.

My GP now prescribes it for me on the NHS as he saw the massive improvement - I was seeing him every week, and until recently (due to UTI) hadn't seen him for many months

When I used to get it on private prescription, I think it cost me about £30 per month or maybe a bit less. xx

[sisa1975]

No, I still have to get NDT privately, NHS Endos won't prescribe on NHS, some may prescribe it on a named-patient basis only but patient still has to pay for it.

[amandabaker in reply to sisa1975]

Hello really sorry but what does NDT stand for? My daughter has terrible spots since going on Levo and Liothyronine - even in her hair! I am going to try and change her Levo to NDT - can Lio cause the same symptoms? Many thanks

[sisa1975 in reply to amandabaker]

NDT stands for natural desiccated thyroid. Desiccated thyroid extract is prepared from pig thyroid glands.

[Heloise in reply to amandabaker]

Thyroxine is a synthetic product and as sisa says, NDT is a natural product since porcine is similar to human thyroid. It might make a difference and would be good to know as another evidence we should go back to a natural thyroid which includes a bit of T3. T4 is not good for everyone.

[beaton]

Well I'm counting myself lucky for once. I never had much of a problem as a teenager but when my health deteriorated some thirty odd years ago,I began to suffer with crops of spots on my forehead.I've had them ever since.Now with the right balance of meds. I think things are improving.With thyroid problems I think the balance of meds. and supplements is.most important..

[amandabaker in reply to beaton]

Can you tell me which supplements you find the best?

[beaton in reply to amandabaker]

Hi,I know I need all Bs and D and magnesium. and chromium..

[Tarry]

I've been taking levo since the end of March. In the first few weeks in between GP appointments I got loads of side effects, including a break out of spots and disgustingly breakthrough bleeding, and I'm definitely post menopausal. I did some research and as it's almost impossible to see my own GP without a row with the dreaded receptionist I decided to carry on and wait for next scheduled apt. I'm glad I did did as spots and all other side effects cleared up. Three weeks isn't long, my advice would be to keep taking the meds and and start writing a daily diary, if necessary updating throughout the day, of how you're feeling. I think I'm one of the lucky ones that levo works for.

[Tarry]

I've been taking levo since the end of March. In the first few weeks in between GP appointments I got loads of side effects, including a break out of spots and disgustingly breakthrough bleeding, and I'm definitely post menopausal. I did some research and as it's almost impossible to see my own GP without a row with the dreaded receptionist I decided to carry on and wait for next scheduled apt. I'm glad I did did as spots and all other side effects cleared up. Three weeks isn't long, my advice would be to keep taking the meds and and start writing a daily diary, if necessary updating throughout the day, of how you're feeling. I think I'm one of the lucky ones that levo works for.

[sisa1975 in reply to Tarry]

I felt that Levo worked for me for the first 2 years but after that things started to go wrong. I started having many hypo symptoms despite being on the highest possible Levo dosage recommend by my Endo (which was 175mcg daily).

[vajra]

While no doubt there's potentially other causes one view that's often about is that spots can be a symptom of hytpothyroidism.

As in if the body isn't getting enough hormone it seeks to protect itself in the face of reduced blood flow by reducing circulation to the peripheries.

Whatever the reason i certainly tend to break out in spots when i'm hypo - usually on the back and upper arms...

ian

[greenginger]

Hi I dont think it is a problem with levo as much as it is a problem with the thyroid.

I am overactive and on carbimazole and my spots are awful. On my back and scalp in particular.

Maybe they improve once levels have been balanced properly?

[Piplysmelie]

Thanks everyone for answering me, so much valuable advice has been shared. Greatly appreciated.