Cramp

[Balerit]

Since I have been on levothyroxin I have several cramp

Attacks mainly at night.

I have them in my calf,thighs,and even in my fingers and toes.

I have never had cramps before and was wondering if it was

My medication. I am on 100mg levothyroxin since my thyroidectomy in June.

Has anybody any ideas.

[shaws Administrator]

I haven't had a thyroidectomy and I believe that people who do, need the addition of T3 (liothyronine) to the T4 (levothyroxine).

If you've not had a recent blood test request one and/or say that you are having problems you haven't had before diagnosis can you please have a blood test - also ask for a Free T3 test to be done as you are not producing any thyroid hormones naturally and T3 is required in every cell for us to function normally. Sometimes we don't convert levo sufficiently to T3 so if your GP wont do this (sometimes it is the labs who don't if your TSH is 'normal') you might have to have a private test done (we have some labs who can do this).

Always get a print-out of your blood test results with the ranges for your own records (we are entitled). Some surgeries ask for a nominal sum to cover paper/ink.

If you can get another blood test it is best to have the earliest possible appointment and fast (you can drink water). Leave about 24 hours between your last dose of levo and the blood test and take it afterwards. That might keep your TSH high enough so that they wont adjust your dose. If they've not tested Vitamin B12, Vit D, iron, ferritin and folate request these too as we are usually deficient.

[Marz]

Have you tried taking Magnesium at night or rubbing in magnesium oil..... it may help. Also have all the tests suggested by shaws as it could also be LOW B12 and VitD.

[Balerit]

Thank you all for your advice

I will take up your suggestions.

Many thanks

Balerit