Digestive problems on levothyroxine

[Gillybabe]

Can anyone give me advice how to lessen effects of levothyroxine tablets. I am on 75 mcgs and about half an hour after taking them they make my intestines gripe and also having problems with thinning hair also. Do you think the two are connected.

[NatChap]

Try magnesium supplements. Digestive issues are common with thyroid disease. If you use the search box at the top of the page you can look up other discussions on the subject x

[Phoenix605 in reply to NatChap]

You are most likely having an issue with the different binders and fillers used to make the tablets rather than the levo itself. Do you always have the same make or do you just have whatever the pharmacy hands out and do you end up with a mix of brands as the doses change. Have you had the issue since day one or only since a particular dose/make change? This might help you to pinpoint which ones dont suit. Mercury pharma contains acacia which some dont get on with and I think all except teva contain lactose for instance. Always try to stick to the same brand. If you find a brand which causes no issues ask GP to specify that mske on your prescription and also get the pharmacy to note it on your records.

Thinning hair is a common hypo symptom so you may not have reached your optimal levo dose yet. If we are low in ferritin which is stored in the hair bulb the body will scavenge it if needed and the hair will fall

Gut dysfunction is very common with hypo and might be causing you issues with digesting the tablets. We tend to end up with low stomach acid which slows down digestive transit and also prevents proper absorption of nutrients. (Acid reflux can be cause by LOW as well as high stomach acid, GPs just assume its high and prescribe antacids, which further prevents nutrient absorption). You can test this by taking a spoon of bicarb with water, the faster you burp the more acidic you are, if you havent burped after 15 mins its definitely low. This can be helped by taking a spoonfull of apple cidee vinegar at mealtimes or betaine HCL tablets.

If you haven't had them done, get vit d, b12, ferritin and folate tested as these are the ones we commonly have deficiencies in. A lot of nutrient deficiencies cross over with hypo ones (hair loss, fatigue, brain fog, limb pain etc) so it is easy to mistake the cause and chase the wrong ‘cure’. We also need good levels if those particular nutrients in order for our bodies to utilise thyroid hormones correctly, whether our own or synthetic.

SeasideSusie gives excellent nutrient advice, you can search for her and her replies to others if needed.