Newly diagnosed with hypothyroidism

[Mayflower53]

Today my GP has prescribed 25mg of levo thyroxine.  Based on my blood tests I am concerned that this dose is to low.  I would appreciate your opinions

TSH 4.7 range (0.35 - 3.5)

T4 11 range (8.0 - 21.0)

I am due another blood test in June.

[Pastille]

Hi Mayflower53 , Sorry to hear you are one of us now, GP's normally always start their patients off on a starter dose of 25mcg or 50 mcg of levothyroxine. It is rarely higher unless the patient has a very high TSH result. You should be tested again in another 6 weeks and then the levothyroxine may be increased again if need be. Most hypothyroid patients feel better and symptoms start to fade when TSH is suppressed/below 1. When you are next going for your blood tests in 6 weeks, don't take your levothyroxine that morning and drink water only. Take your levothyroxine after the blood draw. This enables you to get a more accurate TSH level, as food/coffee etc. can suppress TSH levels which will only raise again later in the day. So it is better in future if you can always get the earliest appointment available. Always take levothyroxine on a fasting stomach or at least 2 hours after food and an hour before ( that includes tea/coffee ). I take mine with water first thing and then wait an hour or more until I even have a coffee. Also be sure to take any supplements 4 hours away from levo, especially Iron and calcium supplements 6 hours away. Hope that helps and hope you start to feel better soon. Others ( more experienced ) will be along here to better explain. As soon as you get your next blood test results post them on again with ranges as you have done. Good luck. P.s   Welcome the Thyroid forum      Unfortunately it does take time, I started with a TSH of 13.6 on 50mcg 18 months ago. I am only just getting there now with gradual increases, changes in diet, going gluten free and taking the necessary supplements needed to be able to absorb levothyroxine. You will get there with help from people on here   

[Marz]

Firstly I am pleased for you that you have been diagnosed with a result of 4.7 - it seems many people have to wait until the TSH reaches 10 in many areas of the UK.  It may be a good idea to ask for anti-bodies to be tested next time to confirm Hashimotos.

Also have the following tested - Ferritin - Folate - B12 - VitD.  Often they are low when Hypo and having them at optimal levels can make a big difference to your well being and will help with the action of the Levo in the body.

If you are otherwise fit and do not have a heart issue - then 50mcg is also a reasonable starting dose.  I started on 25mcg back in 2005 - and after a couple of weeks felt unwell - and now realise the lower dose was possibly the cause .....

Am not a medic - Just a Hashi's girl with a B12 issues !

Hope all goes well for you ....

[Mayflower53]

Thank you for your replies.  I am going to take the levo thyroxine last thing at night as I take other medications in the morning and I will ask for the other test next time.

[shaws Administrator in reply to Mayflower53]

Make sure your stomach is empty and take it at least 2 to 2.5 hours after eating particularly protein. Food interferes with the uptake.

[MS1983]

Hi I'm newly diagnosed and have been suffering the symptoms for well over a year! Im on 25mg it worked after two weeks I started to feel better my first results were T411.5 and TSH 2.94.

Now I've started to struggle with the symptoms again. I believe after advise this is a starting dose I need to go back now on Monday. Your TSH level should be lowered after medication and your T4 should go up. It's a waiting game to start with and then once they see how it goes they should change it. The blood tests you have in June is this 6 weeks from the start of the medication? 

[LtAngua52]

You need to get your t3 tested too to dhow if you are converting as that is the active hormone your body needs. It is converted from t4 which is only a storage vehicle. Doctors don't know enough about the thyroid this and most of us get this test as well as the b12, vitamin d and folate, and ferritin privately. Go to thyroid uk.org and look at private tests. Blue horizon are very good and they make a donation to thyroid uk. You will only know how well your thyroid is functioning by getting the t3 tested. The other tests will show if you have all that is needed for your meds to work properly. They are often low with thyroid problems.