How long for thyroxine to work?

My TSH is 2.82. How long will it take to get it down to 1? And the antibodies to decrease as they are 109.

I am on 25 mcg of levothyroxine started today

[Jazzw]

Probably not long - but that's not necessarily what you're aiming for. You ideally need TSH below one at the same time as having FT3 and FT4 in the upper part of their ranges. You won't be any better off with a TSH under 1 if your FT3 in particular isn't in the upper part of its range.

As for antibodies, they may not reduce without you making adjustments to your diet and reducing stress etc. Many find they can get their antibodies down by going gluten free (completely - not just reducing it; that won't be enough).

The thing to watch with being on 25mcg is that your thyroid may make even less thyroid hormone than it was prior to taking it - it's likely that over time you will need more than 25mcg. Are you going to be monitored by your private doctor?

[ollymummy in reply to Jazzw]

Yup I felt worse when started on 25mcg esp with the ectopic beats I was suffering they escalated to around 500 per day.

[Hidden in reply to ollymummy]

Is that dangerous the heartbeat issues? What the GP say? Don't know why the endo would recommend that dose then ... Do you mean ectopic pregnancy ?

[Jazzw in reply to Hidden]

Ectopic just means "in the wrong place" - so heart beats that are ectopic are irregular, coming when they shouldn't. Nothing to do with ectopic pregnancy.

[ollymummy in reply to Hidden]

Not dangerous on their own it was simply the quantity I was having placed strain on my heart - I also found the oedema worsened, which was a combination of heart stress and hypothyroid, as soon I got nearer my optimum dose heart issues lessened and swelling started to disappear, have had very few ectopic beats in last few months thankfully proving it was lack of meds.

I think it's been said already but basically a little dose can make an already sluggish thyroid essentially lazy so you may well experience an increase in symptoms. dont be disheartened x

[Hidden in reply to ollymummy]

I've never heard of that, it's more comlicated than I thought then. I thought it would definitely help and bring the TSH down. I was thinking that I got a small dose because my BMI is very low at 16.1.

[Hidden in reply to Jazzw]

Really? I didn't hear of that until now. So it could make things worse ? My aim is for trying to conceive ; sorting it out. It's wiered I've seen women with much higher TSH and antibodies have a successful pregnancy. But mine are not that bad but still having issues so thought I try a low dose. I'll have to take a blood test in 4 weeks to review.

[Hidden in reply to Jazzw]

I thought this would be the perfect dose me as my FT4 and FT3 in right in the middle of where it should be. I'm trying to aim in the upper ref range for pregnancy to conceive and prevent miscarriages. To also, decrease the TSH and antibodies. I will request a blood test in 4 weeks to see how it is going. I thought some people only ever take this small dose as my levels are not too bad ... just needed a little assistance.

[Angel_of_the_North]

On 25mcg, unless you are very old and frail, probably a long time. The usual starting dose for an adult is 50mcg and too low a dose can stop your thyroid from producing what little hormone it used to produce without providing enough in the pill to make you better. You should be getting another blood test in 6 weeks, and probably dose increase then. Get the blood tst as early in the morning as you can. Don't forget NOT to take your levo before the blood test and DON'T EAT either.

[Hidden in reply to Angel_of_the_North]

Wow, now I don't feel so optimistic. My aim to get it low for ttc.

[Jazzw in reply to Hidden]

Don't let it put you off - it's just to let you know that 25mcg is a tiny dose and it's likely you'll need more - but starting slow is the best thing to do.

[Angel_of_the_North in reply to Hidden]

Well, some people's TSH drops if they even read the label on the levo pack, but most of us are more interested in FT3, FT4 and symptom reduction than TSH levels.

TTC?

[Hidden in reply to Angel_of_the_North]

sorry meant trying to conceive

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Don't worry Orangepie, you have done very well to establish that you have the antibodies and to persuade them to trial levo, don't be discouraged, keep on the levo dose and see what your results show in four weeks.

You can always source some extra Levo if you need to raise it to 50.

The big thing is that your thyroid is very closely monitored when you get pregnant again, and you are in a position to insist on that now you have shown you have antibodies and that that is a very probable reasons for past miscarriages.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thanks x

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

If I take two 25mcg tablets when required, is that the same as taking 50 mcg? Just in case I have to do that...

[ollymummy in reply to Hidden]

Yes I have a selection of tablet sizes and have had to mix and match in various ways to get to doses required. Don't rush it though you have to be almost painfully patient!!

[Hidden in reply to Angel_of_the_North]

My BMI is very low at 16.1 so maybe that's why I got a smaller dose.

[ollymummy in reply to Hidden]

Im sure you've heard it before but I would say at 16.1 you would be looking at some very specialist support if you manage to conceive - that's not a safe place to be health wise for you especially if ttc.

[Hidden in reply to ollymummy]

Yes I'm just naturally slim no matter how hard i try to gain weight. I conceived my daughter with the same weight. I'm always trying things to gain weight....Yes I would probably request a dietitian this time as last time they did offer me one.

[ollymummy in reply to Hidden]

Definitely use a dietician - this is an area I work in and sadly I know all too well the effects long term on the body from low BMI - good luck