25mg starting dose of Levothyroxine why?

[fairyeyes]

Why is the the usual start dose and also read that older people also start on this dose,is it to do with side effects and to see how one reacts to it etc?Also i take it at 4 am as i feel its the best time for me,is that ok to do?

[Clutter]

Fairyeyes, 25mcg is the recommended starting dose for patients with heart disease and people over 60. Patients under 50 and without heart disease may be prescribed 75-100mcg as a starting dose. TSH level will be a determining factor in what starting dose is prescribed too.

Thyroid hormone has to be introduced gradually to avoid shocks to the body, particularly the heart.

[fairyeyes in reply to Clutter]

Thank you,i have been very low on iron ,had an infusion but my blood test came back showing the infusion had not helped,waiting to have another different infusion but been having trouble with breathlessness and heart palpations,so i would imagine that is why my start dose is low as i am not over 50 etc,i am having another blood test in around 5 weeks so i will also get a copy of the results.Thank you for the reply.

[Clutter in reply to fairyeyes]

Fairyeyes, low iron and low thyroid levels can cause breathlessness and heart palpitations. I think that the breathlessness and palpitations are probably why your starting dose is so low.

[fairyeyes in reply to Clutter]

Yes i think so too,and just want to say thank you for replying so quickly,lovely to have somewhere that we can go and get informed help and advice,makes everything not so daunting x