Hello everyone,
I am new. I was diagnosed with an under active thyroid last Tuesday. Does anyone know how long the meds take to work? I'm fed up with feeling totally exhausted all the time. Also did anyone find that the meds helped with anxiety and depression?
Also, I'm a bit worried as my partner and I have just started trying for a baby. Does anyone know how the condition affects this? Im 35 and worried I may have left it too late.
Hey! the meds start working after a few months but it becomes more stable after 6 months or so. As far as I know you shouldn't try for a baby before it's stable. I dont want to scare you but people have miscarriages when the tsh is above 2.5. With levothyroxine the risk is eliminated. I'd say use the medicine for a while and go for a baby!
I was super anxious before I was treated, also a bit depressed. When your other symptoms disappear the anxiety goes away as well, I'm sure that will be ok for you.
If you are worried about the age, why don't you go to a gyno and get everything checked? (fsh, amh, estrogen, tsh as well as antral folicule count) they can give you an idea about how fertile you are. Maybe you don't need to be worried at all
Good luck with all! It will be all good x
Thank you Missymystique. I had some fert testing back at the docs in feb but strange they never picked up on the thyroid then.
The doctor simply told me that I was still ovulating-no other details.
Thank you for replying- I can see I'm going to like using the community.
You have to read and learn for yourself, unfortunately, to make sure you remain well and that levothyroxine is increased accordingly. You are always welcome to ask any questions that bother your.
Missymystique has given good advice and I am sure as your dose is increased slowly you will feel much better.
When you have your blood tests for thyroid gland, always get the earliest possible appointment, fast (you can drink water) and allow about 24 hours between your dose of levo and the test (take levo afterwards). Always get a print-out of your blood test results (with the ranges) for your own records and so that you can post if you have a query.
Welcome to the forum, Ebony1980.
NICE recommend the TSH of hypothyroid women planning conception and pregnant should be in the low-normal range 0.4-2.0. Levothyroxine dose may be increased by 25mcg-50mcg when pregnancy is confirmed to reduce the risk of miscarriage and ensure good foetal developement.
cks.nice.org.uk/hypothyroid...
It will take 7-10 days for Levothyroxine to be absorbed before it starts working and up to 6 weeks to feel the full impact of the dose. You will need a follow up blood test in 6-8 weeks to check thyroid levels as dose may need adjusting. Arrange the blood draw early in the morning and fast (water only) as TSH is highest early and drops post-prandially. Take Levothyroxine after the blood draw. Ask for a printout of your results with the lab ranges (figures in brackets after results) and post them in a new question for advice.
For maximum absorption Levothyroxine should be taken with water 1 hour before, or 2 hours after, food and drink, 2 hours away from other medication and supplements, and 4 hours away from calcium, iron, vitamin D and oestrogen.
Hypothyroid patients are often low in ferritin, vitamin D, B12 and folate which can cause musculoskeletal pain, fatigue and low mood similar to hypothyroid symptoms. Ask your GP to test as correcting low levels will improve wellbeing and prepare you for the demands of pregnancy. Ask for the results, don't accept GP telling you results are normal, which just means within range, hypothyroid patient need optimal levels.
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I am not a medical professional and this information is not intended to be a substitute for medical guidance from your own doctor. Please check with your personal physician before applying any of these suggestions.
Hi Ebony,
I am in a similar boat to you too except my hypothyroidism is due to a total thyroidectomy.
I was told by one GP that it will take at least 3-6months to start to stabilise and like Clutter mentioned regular blood tests tohelp adjust the levels.
A different GP mentioned to me that I need to focus on getting my levels right before pregnancy as it will be to much stress on my body (by the way, I'm 32).
If you look through my posts I asked a similar question about pregnancy and received some great feedback, well worth a read!
Good luck with it all!!
I don't know if you were told this because I have only recently discovered that the medication must be taken at exactly the same time everyday for it to work. There have been debates about when is the best time to take it, morning or evening and its almost 50 50 on that topic. Unfortunately i still feel very tired and full with anxiety though 
There are some really lovely people on here I just really want to get some energy back
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T3 and pregnancy
