Clutter and others - Success in getting a trial of levo

[activelazy]

Thank you everyone for giving me the knowledge to fight my case.

My GP agreed to give me a trial of levo for 8 weeks @ 25 MCG. To retest after this. Ft3 and ft4 not tested by lab this time but GP said herself that she will make sure they are tested after initial trial. I have not been given a diagnosis. Agreement is that she will up the dose if needed depending upon blood results and how i feel but I should also understand that if it does not help or makes things worse, it will need to be stopped. I am hoping levo is what i need.

TSH 8th March was 3.2. In January, it was 2.7.

I had my third dose today. No magic yet 😎.

[Bunnyjones]

In my opinion we should see an immunologist to look at us as a whole as our endocrine system is complex but consultants will only talk about their specialisms.

[activelazy in reply to Bunnyjones]

Asking for too much!

[shaws]

25mcg is a very small dose and it will take about six weeks to be absorbed into your body and to build up. Unfortunately hormones aren't like paracetamol which works in a short time.

[activelazy in reply to shaws]

Thank you Shaws. These little reassurances go a long way, bit by bit. This is how we keep moving on. Days go by, then weeks and months. If i breakdown the rest of my life into these smaller periods, it makes it more acceptable for me e.g. only 30-40 such periods i need to go through. And NHS proves really useful in passing the time.😂

[Clutter]

Activelazy,

While you might find some improvement in 8 weeks don't expect miracles, symptoms can lag behind good biochemistry by months.

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, magnesium and oestrogen.

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.

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.

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

[activelazy in reply to Clutter]

Thank you Clutter. Can it cause side effects too? You have seen my actual hormone levels in January on my previous post.

[Clutter in reply to activelazy]

Activelazy,

Anything can cause adverse effects. The patient information leaflet in the box will list potential side effects.

[activelazy in reply to Clutter]

Clutter,

My ferritin is currently 40. Is it very bad? Is it low enough to cause mild palpitations and fatigue?

It used to come back at around 60. I don't know how this time it has gone down to 40.

[Clutter in reply to activelazy]

Activelazy,

Ferritin is optimal halfway through range and should be at least 70 to 100. You can raise ferritin by supplementing iron with 1,000mcg vitamin C to aid absorption and minimise constipation. Take iron 4 hours away from Levothyroxine.

[activelazy in reply to Clutter]

Thank you Clutter