levothyroxine

[sandra57]

i have been taking 125mcgs of levothyroxine for abot 13 yrs after being treated by radioactive iodine after my thyroid regrew 15 yrs after a subtotal thyroidectemy .i just want to know if anyone on thyroxine is still having the symptoms please.

[Clutter]

Sandra, welcome to the TUK forum.

You'll get a resounding yes to your question. Too often people remain symptomatic because they are undermedicated on Levothyroxine &/or their vitamin and mineral levels are low/deficient.

If you post your recent thyroid blood results with the lab ref ranges (the figures in brackets after your results) members will advise whether you are optimally medicated. Optimal is not the same as being within normal range. Ask your GP receptionist or practice manager for a print out of your results if you don’t have them and post them in a new question.

Ferritin, vitamin D, B12 and folate are often deficient/low in hypothyroid patients and these deficiencies can cause musculoskeletal pain, fatigue and low mood similar to hypothyroid symptoms. If you haven't had them tested ask your GP to do blood tests and post your results with the lab ref ranges (the figures in brackets after your results) in a new question and members will advise whether supplementation will be beneficial.

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

[sandra57 in reply to Clutter]

thank you i havent had a blood test for a year so i will ask when im sent for .

[Clutter in reply to sandra57]

Sandra, tests should be done annually but if you are symptomatic don't wait for the annual check ask your GP to do it now.

[shaws Administrator]

As Clutter suggests, if we have clinical symptoms we should not wait to be called. Especially as you may need an increase in meds. Make an appointment for new blood tests for your thyroid hormones plus vitamins/minerals suggested.

Make your appointment at the earliest, and take your levo the day before and allow 24 hours between that and the blood test. You can take levo after the blood test but it should be taken on an empty stomach, so if you've eaten leave 2 hours before and after taking levo as food can interfere with the uptake.

Post your results on a new post for comments.

[sandra57 in reply to shaws]

I have never been told to take levo on an empty stomach ,i just take it with my other meds.

[Clutter in reply to sandra57]

Sandra, as Shaws said, take Levothyroxine with water on an empty stomach 1 hour before or 2 hours after food and 2 hours away from other medication and supplements and 4 hours away from iron, vitamin D, calcium and oestrogen medication/supplements.

If Levothyroxine binds to food and drink and other meds/supplements absorption and uptake to cells is reduced.

[nightingale-56]

Hi Sandra,

I am in exactly the same position as you with my thyroid having re-grown (although not working) after a sub-total in 1978. Was untreated for 19 years after this and started on Levothyroxine in 1997. With the advent of generic Levo I have rapidly gone downhill with awful un-treated symptoms again,although blood tests show levels not too bad. Vitamins and minerals quite good. Think it is just the poor quality meds now, or maybe I have come to the end of 'life' on Levothyroxine only and now need to try T3 or NDT.

[lifexperience]

Hello Sandra. I am on 125mg. I have a number of symptoms, and have not noticed any improvement rather the reverse. I was a slim size 8/10 until I was diagnosed with a underactive thyroid 11 years ago. Since then I have put on a lot of weight, got dry skin and hair. Had no end of trouble with constipation. I am easily fatigued. I don't think my insomnia is related or depression which I have had longer. My mother also has it and quite frankly she's a mess.