Clutter and others - Success in getting a trial... - Thyroid UK

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Clutter and others - Success in getting a trial of levo

activelazy profile image
10 Replies

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 😎.

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activelazy
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10 Replies
Bunnyjones profile image
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 profile image
activelazy in reply toBunnyjones

Asking for too much!

shaws profile image
shawsAdministrator

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 profile image
activelazy in reply toshaws

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 profile image
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 profile image
activelazy in reply toClutter

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

Clutter profile image
Clutter in reply toactivelazy

Activelazy,

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

activelazy profile image
activelazy in reply toClutter

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 profile image
Clutter in reply toactivelazy

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 profile image
activelazy in reply toClutter

Thank you Clutter

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