Hi I had a phone call from GP today and he said there was a prescription of levothyroxine waiting for me. I have been prescribed 50mcg with a retest in 6-8 weeks. Thanks
The goal of Levothyroxine is to restore the patient to euthyroid status. For most patients that will be when TSH is 0.2 - 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_...
Thyroid peroxidase antibodies are positive for autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's). There is no cure for Hashimoto's which causes 90% of hypothyroidism. Levothyroxine treatment is for the low thyroid levels it causes. Many people have found that 100% gluten-free diet is helpful in reducing Hashi flares, symptoms and eventually antibodies.
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. Symptoms may lag behind good biochemistry by several months.
Arrange an early morning and fasting (water only) blood test when TSH is highest, and take Levothyroxine after your blood draw.
Your GP should be prescribing to correct low vitamins
Thyroid hormones can not work with such dire vitamin levels
Make an urgent appointment to see different GP
Ask for adrenal testing too, if adrenal are very low starting Levothyroxine can cause adrenal crisis. If you genuinely suspect low adrenals this definitely needs testing
Just leaving you a prescription to collect is negligent in the extreme.
Ask for blood test for coeliac before seriously considering strictly gluten free diet, after Christmas perhaps
You have had masses of advice on other post how to improve vitamins from SeasideSusie
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