anxious about taking Levo for first time and hyper swings

[misha008]

Hi

I posted earlier but didn't receive any replies - hope someone can help as I am anxious about taking my first (25mg) Levo. Really appreciate any thoughts/advice... see below. thanks

I have suffered from anxiety in the past, which has returned since I've learnt that I am sub-clinical Hypo. I have lots of symptoms of Hypo so doc gave me low dose Levo to start with.

I think I may have experienced a Hyper swing (Hashi) last week in which I was anxious, couldn't sleep, nauseous and have lost half a stone in weight from being in a place where I couldn't lose an ounce previously.

My question is - when I start taking the Levo and if I experience another Hyper swing - does that mean that my anxiety levels will raise even more? I find this a bit worrying. Hope someone can advise.

Thanks in advance

[Ruthi]

The point of putting you on levo is to damp down the Hashi's swings. So although it doesn't seem immediately logical, the treatment with a low dose of levo should lead to fewer and milder swings - and should slow down the decline of your thyroid. The end result will be the same but much later.

There is quite a lot of evidence that a gluten free diet helps with Hashimoto's significantly reducing antibody levels. That in turn should also reduce swings and there are lots here who have found it to be very helpful.

[misha008 in reply to Ruthi]

Thanks for replying Ruthi. I have started a gluten free diet... just need to start the Levo.

[shaws Administrator]

I think many of us take levothyroxine (or any thyroid hormones) with trepidation at first but they are natural to the human body so shouldn't have any bad 'effects' unless we take too much but that's remedied by reducing dose. 25mcg is such a low dose and should be increased in around 6 weeks +.

Blood tests should be fasting although you can drink water and the earliest possible appointment. Allow about 24 hours between your dose of levo and the test.

Also ask for B12, Vit D, iron, ferritin and folate to be tested as well and always get a print-out of your results for your own records and you can post if you have a query.

[Sylvia22]

If I were you I would go back to your GP and tell him how you are feeling. Ask to see N endocrinologist..