Hypothyroidism

[GillH-february]

Recently diagnosed, no overt symptoms, well maybe some but how to distinguish from ageing process - I'm 80? In second week of treatment so only 25 mg of levothyroxine. No reaction so far, just signed up so I can learn more first hand about the condition.

[Hidden]

Welcome to the forum. What was your TSH level on diagnosis? I would guess it was very high.

You might discover your symptoms if they go away! The 25 starter dose is unlikely to make much difference though - it certainly didn't to me. Not till you go higher might you find improvement.

[GillH-february in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your reply. My TSH was 21, up from 7 in May and 5 the previous May (I have been having an annual blood test for many years)

[Clutter]

Welcome to the forum, GillH-february.

For maximum absorption Levothyroxine should be taken with water on an empty stomach 1 hour before, or 2 hours after, food and drink, 2 hours away from other medication and supplements, and 4 hours away from iron, calcium, and vitamin D.

It takes 7-10 days for Levothyroxine to be absorbed so it will only just be starting to work, but it will take up to 6 weeks to feel the full impact of the dose. 25mcg is a low dose and will need titrating every 6-8 weeks until TSH is 1-2. You should have a follow up thyroid test in 6 weeks. Arrange an early morning and fasting (water only) blood draw as TSH is highest early and drops post-prandially. Take Levothyroxine after the blood draw.

These links will inform you a little more:

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/diagno...

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

[bobsmydog]

Hi GillH, there is a full list of symptoms here on Thyroid UK.

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

When I was first diagnosed and saw that list I realised that everything I'd been putting down to aging a whole lot quicker than others my age might not be the case!

You will only know what's down to the thyroid when symptoms improve as treatment progresses as there are so many things a low thyroid can affect.

It's worth ticking off all that apply to you now and as you improve it will give encouragement as you see some disappear off the list

[GillH-february in reply to bobsmydog]

Thanks, I've read the list and am printing it out. I do have some of these symptoms but some for a long time, eg dry eyes for 10 years, some, such as bruising easily, has definitely been more noticeable recently. I've wondered about deepening of my voice but no feedback from friends on this symptom.

[Marz]

As you have few symptoms I am wondering why they tested your thyroid ? Of course I am pleased for you that they did as I feel that everyone over a certain age has reduced thyroid activity and would benefit from a boost Hope you soon feel the benefits and are able to stick with this forum and learn even more !

When you go for your next blood test - do ask them to test the following which are usually LOW in people with thyroid issues.... B12 - Ferritin - Folate - Iron - VitD. They all need to be OPTIMAL in their ranges and never accept normal from your GP. They mean in range - which could mean anything - where the results are in the range is so important. For instance the range for B12 varies but can be 180 - 900 - it needs to be at the TOP but the GP may declare you normal when its 200. Neurological damage can happen when you are below 500.

Also remember to ask for copies of all your test results so you can monitor your own progress and post here !

Enough of my bossiness - good luck !

[GillH-february in reply to Marz]

Thanks. High TSH picked up at regular blood test (5 in May 2014, 7 in May 2015 and 21 last month). Next blood test in 6 weeks, I'll ask for the extra tests to be carried out.

[shaws Administrator]

Welcome to our forum,

It's great you've reached 80 before you've been diagnosed.

Many people feel fine on levothyroxine and because of your age you've been given a small dose initially.

When you next have your appointment (usually about every six weeks until you feel better or TSH is around 1) then you have a yearly check-up unless clinical symptoms appear in the meantime.

When you have your next blood test make the appointment as early as possible and fast (although you can drink water). Don't take levothyroxine before it (usually allow approx 24 hours between your last dose and the test) take levo afterwards.

This method allows your TSH to be higher as it changes throughout the day and doctors are apt to adjust our dose of hormones unnecessarily sometimes just to keep the TSH 'in range'.

Levothyroxine should be taken on an empty stomach with a glass of water. Levo can stick in your throat and swell if you dont have sufficient water. Wait about an hour before eating as food can interfere with the uptake of levo.

Ask GP to also test your B12, Vit D, iron, ferritin and folate too.

Always get a print-out of your blood test results, with the ranges, for your own records and you can post if you have a query.

I hope everything goes smoothly for you.

Regards

[GillH-february in reply to shaws]

Thank you for your advice which I've printed out. I've been made to feel very welcome on this site.