175 microgrames levothyroxine

[gojo1]

Hi all wonder if you can help. I am taking 175 of levothyroxine which has been apparently no help for painful heavy periods so had endometrial ablation on monday. Around every 8 months since 2010 have had increase til now. Last blood test tsh 1.37 I asked about thyroxine but was told if the level is right it would help periods? Wonder how much you have to take to make a difference. Not much of reduction in weight and of course my blood pressure is high. Any ideas? Many thanks.

[shaws Administrator]

If you've had a recent blood test for your thyroid gland can you get a print-out from the surgery, with the ranges so that members can comment upon them. Always get a copy of your blood tests for your own records and so that you can post if you have a query. If you haven't had Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, iron, ferritin and folate checked ask for these to be done as we are usually deficient. You don't take medication before your blood test, take it afterwards and have it as early as possible.

As you are still feeling unwell on 175mcg levo although your GP will think your results are 'good' as they are in range, some of us need a very low TSH or even suppressed to feel good. Most of us feel better with the addition of some T3 (liothyronine) added to the T4 (levothyroxine) and sometimes a reduction is made to the T4.

If you email [e-mail] and ask for a copy of the Pulse Online article by Dr Toft and question 6 should be referred to. Ignore is last para which is typical I think of many in Endocrinology. There is also a suggestion of the addition of some T3. Dr Toft was President of the British Thyroid Association.

Maybe you've been undermedicated for a long time which has maybe aggravated your periods problem.

This is another link to an archived website but has good info and other topics are at the top of the page. Some links within may not work.

web.archive.org/web/2010103...

web.archive.org/web/2010103...

[gojo1 in reply to shaws]

Many thanks for replying i am getting a bit fed up as all that happens is an increase. I have a new doctor so will ask about the T3 I usually take it around 7.30am and have blood test in morning, so perhaps need to change that also will check B12.

[shaws Administrator in reply to gojo1]

Yes, take medication after blood test - if you'd had breakfast leave two hours either side of taking levo otherwise it skews the blood test if you take levo before, when you may really need an increase. Get a copy of your blood test with the ranges for your own records and to post if you have a query.

[claudiasmum]

I've never noticed any difference to my periods regardless of what my thyroid status was. What did make a difference though was getting my B12 levels up. My periods are a couple of days shorter and there is no pain at all.