Thyroid and synthroid questions.

[hades10109]

Hello. I was recently prescribed 0.025 levothyroxine, and it seems like my symptoms are getting worse. I'm more tired and have trouble getting up in the morning, sore and more cold, but my main concern is my heart. The left side of my chest feels weird, don't really know how to describe it. It feels like I am short of breath and pain in my back. My heart isn't racing, my pulse is actually lower, nothing drastic but usually in the low 60s, but that is low for me. I've had these symptoms before starting the medication but it seems to be getting worse. Is that normal? Is it because my dose is too low? Should I stop taking the medication? My appointment with my doctor isn't for another two weeks. I don't know my lab tests off hand, but will be asking for them my next appointment. Any advice would be appriciated. Thank you.

[EbonyEvans]

You should be able to pick up your print out if you go to your surgery. Call tomorrow to be on the safe side. It’s either free or the cost of reasonable paper and printing ink. If they charge and you don’t want to pay. You can ask the receptionist to write it down (but make sure you are shown the screen and s/he puts the ranges in - they are numbers with a dot in the middle. Followed by more numbers with dots in with a ‘-‘ in the middle. This is the range and is needed for us to help you.

It does sound like your starter dose is too low as it’s usually 25 or 50mcg. But starting out is slow and 6 weeks should be put between each blood test.

You should also be supplementing with good brands of Selenium. Vit b with B complex if you are low. Vit d, iron with Vit c to help absorption & reduce constipation. Your folate and ferritin need to be tested also as ReallyFedUp123 mentioned. Your thyroid tests should be carried out first thing in the morning at the earliest available time. DO NOT take your T4 that morning. And fast overnight - water only. This gives a truer picture of your levels. Take it straight afterwards. Also when taking T4 take it with a full glass of water only. Nothing else for an hour. Your vitamins and supplements need to be taken three to four hours after your T4 as they affect absorption too.

I’d suggest your research your illness as it’s life long and the medical veils have few that understand it.

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

hades10109,

Where are you located?

(Stating dose as 0.025 levothyroxine would be unusual for the UK. And the mention of Synthroid in the subject.)

Location can significantly affect advice given. For example, makes, dosages, legal rights, etc.

[Jpnuman]

I have gone cold turkey stopped levo and my own thyroid health tablet. I was diagnosed over 3 years ago with low undeactivate but borderline. I am also menopausal and B12 and pernicious anemia. Not a good combo all can mess up the thyroid. From experience I took up to 50 of levo and cannot take it. Like you my symptoms got worse and even got a low heart beat. Since coming off it all 4 weeks in no tiredness no sleepless nights and heartbeat has picked up better. I think as I was borderline it just made me feel worse I think.it was best left alone and treat the menopause problems. Only time will tell but before Xmas my bloods was T4 28 and since coming off 4 weeks in last bloods down to 17 still not ideal but endo going to test again in 6 weeks. Very hard to treat a thyroid whilst going through menopause. Definately feel a bit better though.