can to much or to little levo cause shortness o... - Thyroid UK
can to much or to little levo cause shortness of breath?
Hello spoonking. I have hypothyroidism and currently taking 75mcgs of Levo. I do get out of breath so easily, especially trying to walk up steps or short hills. Strangely enough I have just had a spirometry test done and I have the lung age of a 34 year old despite the fact I am 62. The endocrinologist I saw last month says it has nothing to do with my hormones and my cardiologist says my breathing problem is not a cardiac issue.
I have always been a marathon runner and it is this sort of conflicting advice that leaves me baffled. They both agree I am fit for surgery (Bicuspid Stenosis of the aorta valve replacement) so I have to settle for that. Maybe the breathing difficulties will ease eventually but I do know that the meds for my thyroid seem to have put me back into a menopausal state. I went through the menopause 10 years ago and now hot flushes are top of the list, along with fatigue and tears.
Suzy I was referred for spirometry as I had COPD symptoms. I stopped taking Levothyroxine to prove it was responsible for many symptoms I accrued since taking it. Lung function came back 97% and 3 years younger than my chronological age.
Adding T3 to T4 calms the palps and shortness of breath I experienced on T4 only. Would any of your specialists consider adding T3 for a trial period to see if it helps with your shortness of breath?
My endocrinologist has agreed T3 should be added but is reluctant to do so in case I have surgery soon. Not sure of the medical reasoning. It seems a case of 'mine is not to reason why'
That's procrastination, not reasoning. T3's short half life means it is perfect to stop prior to surgery if required. In the meantime T3 could be alleviating your symptoms.
I think cardios are generally appreciative of the benefits of T3 on the heart. Perhaps he could contact your dim endo.
I may very well give my doc a call this morning. I'm finding it hard to go from being a marathon and ultra marathon runner knowing something was wrong with me and now I'm only managing a couple of power walks a day and even then I'm losing the power bit! Cardio surgeons says exercise with care and no weight lifting. I just want to be in a place where I feel like the old me even if I can't compete anymore. Sorry, too early to start moaning. How are you?
I'm more at the power shuffle stage 
Was 90% bedridden until Dec but recovering now on T4+T3. Need to build strength and stamina, slowly, as overdid it recently. I don't understand medics who think languishing in ill health for months is ok when there is medicine which may help. Good luck with your doctor.
I get shortness of breath...I notice it is worse as I get more tired towards the end of a week at work. Also accompanying dizziness.
Shortness of breath can be due to under and over medication of Levothyroxine. Low iron can also cause it.
I found I could walk up the hill from my bus stop more easily without getting breathless after I'd started getting my mins and vits increased
Hi Suzy, I was short of breath before diagnosis, but several years later it's back again. I've just discovered I have low iron.
Me too!
Hi spoonking, what are you iron, ferritin levels like? Anemia can cause breathlessness. Get that checked. Best of luck 
Numb lips and shortness of breath 
Too much levo or T3?
Too much Vitamins or trouble adjusting to higher dose of Levo?
Adding back some levo; how much Levo to T3?
