Day 1

[jaclen11]

Day 1 on levothyroxine. I've felt like crap for years, thought it was all the fault of the menopause, but on checking, I have loads of the symptoms. So fingers crossed this makes a new woman of me x

[veryangirl44]

Hi nice to meet you I have been on levo for over twenty years and only through thyroid UK did I learn how to take thyroxine properly first thing in the morning on an empty belly and nothing but water for at least half hour after for proper absorption. This site is fantastic for information, support etc. A word of advice if you feel naff speak up, get copies of your blood results and take advice from here x

[eeng in reply to veryangirl44]

I think you meant absorption!

[veryangirl44 in reply to eeng]

Thank you this uses predictor text but I type it in and never Re read it but I will do now silly me

[Hidden]

Oh my! I am with you on that one. I thought my symptoms were a natural part of aging, and I was amazed after I began to feel better! Hang in there. It will take a while but it will be better.

[eeng]

It takes 6-8 weeks for the level of the Thyroxine you take to reach maximum in your system. However if you have been hypo for a while then your pituitary has been flogging your thyroid to produce hormone (which it hasn't been able to do) so now you are taking hormone to supplement the little your thyroid has been able to produce, your thyroid might think it's time for a well- earned rest and decrease its output. Your doctor should have booked you in for another blood test in 6-8 weeks time, so he can adjust your dose accordingly. Get that blood test done first thing in the morning, don't take your thyroxine for 24 hours beforehand, and don't have breakfast (you can have water) till after the test. That way your TSH level, which the doctors use to decide on your dose, will be the most accurate reflection of your true thyroid status (TSH varies throughout the day and drops after food). Your doctor should be aiming to get your TSH down to around 1, not just within the 'normal' range. Hope you feel better soon.