I have auto-immune hypo-thyroidism. I got totally disabling headaches sometimes and energy problems often on taking Levo over a long time. I secretly went to high quality NDT combo equivalent to test any effect and the headaches faded by 75% in intensity and duration after 2-3 days. Back to Levo after 2 weeks to 'do the right thing' and also to test the validity of my suspicions and same headaches re-emerged after 3-5 days, fading after 2-3 days once off again. But now I'm stuck as to what to do if Levo is the only precription. Two questions:
1. Are ongoing headaches a realistic side effect of Levo or am I misattributing the cause? My diet is careful and healthy (gluten, dairy, sugar, vits, E-'s etc) and I've tried to control for every other possible cause of the headaches.
2. Are new-to-use headaches normal, but will fade if I persevere? How long to acclimatise to them? And even if I acclimatise is this stuff right to optimise my system if my body hates it so much at the start?
I have an endo appointment for the first time in a few weeks and want to present objectively and get a good outcome from the meeting. Of course, a Levo solution is simplest.
PS. No it wasn't Teva brand - Wockhardt and Activas. Any informed help appreciated.
I have been taking Levo for over 40 years, have had daily headaches for most of them and never made the connection until recently.
What was your "high quality NDT combo"?
My experience has shown me that I will get nothing but Levo from my GP, and I tried NDT 20 years ago with a private doctor but it wasn't for me.
In your shoes I would discuss your experiment with the endo and if all you are offered is to continue on Levo then decide whether you want to go it alone with NDT.
Thank you SeasideSusie. Armour. I'm sorry you've had so little luck with it. Do you think the Levo causes the headaches?
Headaches is listed as a potential side effect of Levo in the Patient Information Leaflet so it's a possibility that it's the Levo causing them.
Yes I noticed that. Thank you. Not sure whether the pill makers and the profession think that the headaches is a symptom of sub-optimal blood levels rather than a side effect of the levo in and of itself. Any idea which the makers/profession thinks on this one?
I believe they see it as a side effect. I use Actavis and the PIL says
"Tell your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue, get worse.......
.....
Hi
We very, you must not change the dose or stop taking the tablets without talking to your doctor first.
HEADACHE
.....
etc"
Headaches are listed as a side effect of the two inhalers and the maintenance antibiotic I take for my lung disease but I have had the headaches for many more years than I have been taking the inhalers and antibiotic so I attribute mine to the Levo.