Running newly diagnosed?

[lisan1]

It's it ok to run, or well it be bad for me, when you are newly diagnosed? I just got an increase in levo to 50mcg

My last results on 25 mcg was

Tsh 4.7 (0.4-5.5)

Ft4 12. 8 (10-19.8)

[shaws Administrator]

25mcg is a very small starting dose but some doctors are cautious. 50mcg is usual starting dose with 25mcg increments every six to eight weeks.

The aim of replacement thyroid hormones is to keep our metabolism working and we cannot function if they are too low.

Levothyroxine is the choice of doctors and the guidelines and it's job is to convert to T3 (liothyronine) and it is T3 which is required in our billion of receptor cells as it gives energy to our body in order for us to function normally.

Excercise uses up our T3 so I'd advise waiting until you are on an optimum of thyroid hormones (when TSH is around 1) as some people feel quite unwell until on a proper dose. You don't know yet what your optimum dose will be and 'optimum' means you feel back to normal health. I'd suggest something gentle like walking instead but don't overdo it and wait until your TSH is around 1 or lower.

Few doctors will check Free T4 and Free T3 or labs might not if TSH is within 'range'. So it is a big learning curve for you in order to recover your health.

I assume you know blood tests should be the very earliest possible and fasting, although you can drink water. Also allow 24 hour gap between dose of levo and the test and take afterwards.

Levo should also be taken first thing with a full glass of water. Some people prefer bedtime dosing so allow 3 hours if you've eaten before taking it. Food interferes with the uptake of levo.

When next test is due ask for B12, Vit D, iron, ferritin and folate to be checked as we are usually deficient which can also cause problems.

From now on always get a copy of your blood results with the ranges and you can post if you have a query.

[Clutter]

Lisan1,

If you feel well enough to run it's fine. Some people may find recovery takes a bit longer as T3 may become depleted during exercise.