50 micrograms?

[Tatty10]

Why is it recommend that patients over 50 should only be prescribed no more than 50 micrograms of levo

[helvella Administrator]

I think the recommendation (if you are quoting from the same sources I can think of) is that those over 50 should be started on 25 rather than 50.

Those over fifty years of age need as much as they need - I am over fifty and am on 100 micrograms and just yesterday the doctor I saw said he was very happy with my test results. (Indeed, I was over fifty when diagnosed and I too started on 25.)

If that is what you are referring to, then the reason is simply to reduce the chances of anything negative happening. A lot of people of fifty and over have some form of heart disease or inadequacy so suddenly parachuting in a large amount of thyroid hormone is probably not in their best interests. In many cases it is better to be gentle and slow.

Rod

[Tatty10 in reply to helvella]

Thanks Rod, i thought that the dose would never be increased, and was getting a bit worried, having blood tests on monday seeing my endo on thursday, re, possible date for surgery, so i am trying to find out as much info as poss

[jaxnbreeze]

I started on 75(!) aged 67. My TSH was 8 and it dropped like a stone and I was really hyper after 2 months. Went down to 50 (with the occassional boost ) which I am still on but I am not aware on any other probs . Just my stupid heavy-handed doctor who I have now sacked.

[Tatty10]

if t3 is required, how do you get it if the doctors will not prescribe?

[Tatty10]

is it legal ?

[Tatty10]

can it be bought in spain?

[zeberdee2468]

O'm 60 and on 125mcg every day. It is assumed by the medical profession that older people wont need as much but may need something else, the name escapes me at the moment sorry.