Levo start dose?

[Mantha301]

I have to start on Levo and I've read on this site that I could shock my system, so to avoid that, what dose should I begin on? My GP wants to start me on 125mcg. Also, I've read that I should increment by 25 mcg but over what time frame is best? Thank you.

[puncturedbicycle]

For many people, it's thought to be good to start on 50mcg and raise in increments over time depending on how you feel. If you're very sensitive you may need a period of adjustment or elderly people might be asked to start on a very low dose (25mcg).

There are people who start on higher doses and do well though, and feel fine. There are some guidelines here (about halfway down the page): btf-thyroid.org/information...

[Mantha301 in reply to puncturedbicycle]

Thank you puncturedbicycle, that was really helpful.

[puncturedbicycle in reply to Mantha301]

[Treepie]

You will have blood tests every 6-8 weeks and unfortunately that test rather than how you feel is likely to determine dosage so be ready to resist if still feeling unwell.

[Mantha301 in reply to Treepie]

Thank you.

[Maud04]

Good evening Manthat301,

I too am new to all this having been diagnosed 8 weeks ago.

My GP started me on 50mcg for one week then 100mcg for the last seven ( weeks I am to be retested in another fortnight) I do not think I had any adverse reaction to either the initial dose nor the increase and in fact I slept well for the first fortnight or so .....wish it were still the same!

Kind Regards

Maud

[Mantha301 in reply to Maud04]

Maud thank you, that's interesting as I was advised 25mcg increments were best, so I'm relieved to hear that a larger increase is also okay.

I hope your sleep improves again as I know how unpleasant it is to be sleep deprived.

Mantha