Hypothyroidism

[Profile234]

Hi I've been diagnosed with Hypothyroidism and started treatment this week. 25mg levothyroxine. Can anyone tell me how long it may take to feel a little better.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Unless you are elderly, extremely frail or have a heart condition, 50mcgs is standard starter dose.

It takes 6 weeks for dose to have full effect. Then should be retested

Can you add your thyroid blood test results so members can advise

TSH, FT4 and FT3 plus were Thyroid TPO and TG antibodies tested?

Low vitamins are common, so it's also good idea for GP to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12

Always take Levo on empty stomach and then nothing apart from water for at least an hour after. Many take on waking, but it may be more convenient and possibly more effective taken at bedtime

verywell.com/should-i-take-...

Many people find Levothyroxine brands are not interchangeable. Once you find a brand that suits you, best to make sure to only get that one at each prescription. Watch out for brand change when dose is increased

Blood should be retested at 6-8 weeks and dose increased in 25mcg steps until TSH is around one and FT4 towards top of range and FT3 at least half way in range

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. This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results

Nice guidelines saying how to increase

cks.nice.org.uk/hypothyroid...

The initial recommended dose is:

For most people: 50–100 micrograms once daily, preferably taken at least 30 minutes before breakfast, caffeine-containing liquids (such as coffee or tea), or other drugs.

This should be adjusted in increments of 25–50 micrograms every 3–4 weeks according to response. The usual maintenance dose is 100–200 micrograms once daily.

For people aged over 50 years and people with cardiac disease or severe hypothyroidism: 25 micrograms once daily, adjusted in increments of 25 micrograms every 4 weeks according to response.

[Kfap]

Hiya I have just been diagnosed with hyper too but I have been put on 15mg of carbimazole and I was hoping to ask the same question as you! X

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Kfap]

Kfap

The original poster of this thread does not have hypERthyroidism like you, she has hypOthyroidism. You should start your own thread and those who have experience of hypERthyroidism and carbimazole will respond, but make it clear in your title what your query is.

[teenarocks]

There is no way to tell how long it will take for you to feel better. You will not feel better until you are on your optimal dose of thyroid hormone and your ferritin, folate, B12 and D are also optimal. The length of time it takes for all of this is different for every one. But you are on your way and that is the important thing. You will need to be retested about every 6 weeks until you reach your optimal dose. Continue to log into this forum as you will find it very helpful. I wish you well.