Newly diagnosed!

[Michr89]

Hi all, I am a new member and newly diagnosed with hypothyrodism after being treated separately for things like constipation, heavy periods and eczema. I have just started taking the 50mcg Levo but am suffering with tiredness, feeling unsteady and dealing with random aches in my wrists, hands, fingers, knees and hips. How soon can I expect an improvement in my symptoms? Thanks for reading and replies.

[Clutter]

Welcome to the forum, Michr89.

It can take several months to feel well but you will have improvement in symptoms after a few weeks. 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 50mcg Levothyroxine in case dose adjustments are required. Arrange an early morning and fasting (water only) blood draw when TSH is highest, and take Levothyroxine after your blood draw.Symptoms may lag behind good biochemistry by several months.

The goal of Levothyroxine is to restore the patient to euthyroid status. For most patients that will be when TSH is 0.3 - 1.0 with FT4 in the upper range. FT4 needs to be in the upper range in order that sufficient T3 is converted. Read Treatment Options in thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

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's common for hypothyroid patients to have low/deficient ferritin, vitamin D, B12 and folate so ask your GP to test. Vitamin D deficiency usually causes pain in joints and bones. Ask for a printout of your results and ranges and write a new post asking for advice.

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