Reduced dose

[Sunny1315]

New member I feel better on reduced dose of 50mcg levo, diagnosed hypothyroid 4 yrs ago. Any ideas why thank you

[SlowDragon Administrator]

If you have only just reduced dose, then that improvement may not last.

If longer than 6-8 weeks Have you had tests done to check levels

Common to feel better if stop Levo too, but definitely not a good plan. It's only the calm before the collapse.

[Sunny1315 in reply to SlowDragon]

Told results normal thanks

[shaws Administrator]

If you were diagnosed 4 years ago, you should be on a higher dose. I know you reduced because you felt you were not improving but the aim is a TSH of 1 or lower. If your GP was 'happy' that your results were somewhere within the range but in the upper part he is wrong. We need a low TSH of 1 or below and some need it suppressed.

Thyroid hormones have to be optimal in order for our body to work efficiently. Our heart and brain need the most hormones. We can develop other illnesses if not on an optimum. Also our vitamins/minerals also have to be optimum so ask for B12, Vit D, iron, ferritin and folate to be tested. All blood tests have to be at the very earliest, fasting (you can drink water) and allow a gap of 24 hours between last dose of levo and test and take afterwards.

[Sunny1315 in reply to shaws]

Told all results normal thanks

[shaws Administrator in reply to Sunny1315]

You have to get print-out from the surgery with the ranges every time. We are entitled by the Law to get copies.

So go to the surgery and put your results with the ranges on a new post for comments.

Never accept the words 'normal' 'fine' 'o.k. when you have symptoms. The purpose of replacing thyroid hormones is to relieve our symptoms not give us more.

Follow the guideline when having blood tests and also get all your vitamins/minerals tested at the same time.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Also do you have high antibodies- this is test for Hashimoto's also known as autoimmune thyroid disease (preferred title by UK medics)

90% in UK are hypo due to Hashimoto's

If we have Hashimotos then low vitamins are extremely common so definitely get vitamin D, folate , ferritin and B12 tested

If any of these are too low it stops thyroid hormones being used, then get mix of hyper & hypo symptoms and find it difficult to tolerate increased dose that we actually need

May need to supplement first

[Sunny1315 in reply to SlowDragon]

Told thyroid peroxidase antibodies are negative 175 (<34) thanks

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Sunny1315]

That is not negative. That's is most definitely positive for Hashimoto's

To be negative the result has to be under 34 (not over 34)

Your GP obviously knows little if they think that result is negative

Hashimoto's very often affects the gut, leading to low stomach acid, low vitamin levels and leaky gut.

Low vitamins that affect thyroid are vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12. Important to test these.

If they are too low they stop Thyroid hormones working.

Have these been tested, if not ask that they are. Always get actual results and ranges.

As you have Hashimoto's then hidden food intolerances may be causing issues, most common by far is gluten. Changing to a strictly gluten free diet may help reduce symptoms. Very, very many of us here find it really helps and can slowly lower antibodies.

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First thing is do you have any actual blood test results? If not you need to get hold of them. You are entitled under data protection laws.

You may be able to view test results online - ring and ask about this. If you can then apply for online access to your account. All GP practices are supposed to offer this, in reality very few have blood test results available online.

If not then ask for print out of recent tests. Pick up in a day or two. They may make a nominal charge for paper.

You need to know results for TSH, FT4 and FT3 plus the vitamins

If you can't get full thyroid and vitamin testing from GP

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

Medichecks Thyroid plus ultra vitamin or Blue Horizon Thyroid plus eleven are the most popular choice. DIY finger prick test or option to pay extra for private blood draw. Both companies often have money off offers.

All thyroid tests should be done as early as possible in morning and fasting and don't take Levo in the 24 hours prior to test, delay and take straight after.