Tsh, thyroxine, osteoporosis and menstrual cycle, help please!

[MaxandMe]

Hi there,

I've just had a post up about my thyroid panel results. But I don't think I can reply on that thread, I can't see my replies!

I have been given 100mcg of Levo by gp. I am extremely nervous, some lovely people have put some of my fears straight but I have more! Hoping anyone can help me.

I had my blood taken on the first day of my period before it started. luckily that coincides when I'm extremely ill! Will a period artificially raise tsh?

I have been reading that thyroxine can cause osteoporosis and low magnesium and calcium on another board please can someone confirm or debunk this please?

I also think morning is not a good time for me to take the Levo, I take codeine and paracetamol as soon as I wake and need beta blockers for my postural orthostTic tachycardia syndrome, would night be ok and if so will it make me really hyper/awake? Will most of the side effects I might get happen whilst I sleep thus avoiding daytime ones?

Also beta blockers I'm on bisoprolol for my pots and am worried these will interact. What will happen? Also does dihydracodeine and paracetamol affect it?

I also take vitamin d, fish oil, calcium with vit d, multivitamin, asthma tablet (singular) and inhalers, cetirizine, piriton and Atarax at night, cyclizine, movicol, senna cot and utrogestan which is a prescribed natural progesterone.

I'm so nervous about taking the Levo, feel so stupid took me a year and a half to get it and now I'm scared of taking it!

Mainly as I'm a single mother and it scares me thinking of side effects and what would I do being alone with my toddler. Will my dose cause any side effects?

Thanks so much

Xxx

[Clutter]

Maxandme,

Menstruation won't affect TSH levels.

Adverse effects are usually due to hypothyroid symptoms worsening while Levothyroxine is absorbed before it starts working. Some people do experience headaches or nausea for a week or two but most have no adverse reaction. There is no evidence to show that Levothyroxine causes osteoporosis, low calcium or low magnesium.

It takes 7-10 days for Levothyroxine to be absorbed before it starts working and it will take up to six weeks to feel the full impact of the dose.

Levothyroixine can be taken at any time of day or night. Night tie dosing can be more effective in lowering TSH as absorption may be better. 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 supplements and oestrogen.

You should have a follow up thyroid test 6-8 weeks after starting Levothyroxine. Arrange an early morning and fasting (water only) blood draw when TSH is highest, and take Levothyroxine after your blood draw.

Most people will find symptoms resolve after their TSH drops to around 1.0 with FT4 in the upper range but symptoms can lag a couple of months behind good biochemistry.

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

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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.

[MaxandMe in reply to Clutter]

Hi clutter,

Thank you so much for your help. What's so utterly crazy is that I have the Levo, but I'm petrified of taking it it's really helping getting these knowledgable replies. I think I'm going to take it tonight.

Is movicol classed As something I need to treat like a medicine and not take Levo at same time?

Will my beta blockers affect the Levo?

Have you seen my tests results? I wondered your opinion on then, had great replies so far but for some reason I feel not 100% convinced I'm hypo.

Shall I add my results xx

[Clutter in reply to MaxandMe]

Maxandme,

You are unlikely to feel anything for a couple of weeks after taking Levothyroxine. Don't take Levothyroxine with anything other than water. If Beta Blockers affect uptake of Levothyroxine your Levothyroxine dose will be adjusted after your next blood test.

I saw your TSH was >5.0 which means you are subclinically hypothyroid. Your GP would not have prescribed Levothyroxine if s/he wasn't convinced you are hypothyroid.

_______________________________________________________________________________

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.

[MaxandMe in reply to Clutter]

Thank you clutter for your help.

I have one last question I hope you might be able to answer please. Can chronic stress and other illnesses ie pots and eds cause a raised tsh?

I don't think she's convinced I'm hypo but she refused me Levo for 1.5 years and I had to pay for private tests and she reluctantly offered me a trial.

I'm going to take it any but I just wanted some clarification in my mind.

Thank you

[Clutter in reply to MaxandMe]

Maxandme,

A virus or acute illness can raise TSH but I'm not aware that chronic stress or chronic illnesses like POTS and EDS raise TSH.