Symptoms after medication

[raine-wager]

Hi I have been on Levo for just over a week. My dizziness disappeared straight away. Can anyone else share how long symptoms took to go please and in what order if possible . Thankyou

I have added the consultant letter.

[Aurealis]

I imagine it’s quite individual. Tissues in different parts of the body respond at different rates. The symptoms are likely to disappear in the reverse order to the order they appeared, perhaps quite quickly following introduction of thyroid hormone (like your dizziness) or an increase in dose. If they reappear a couple of weeks later, you may need a further hike in dose. Get a test done before increasing the dose in case you make a mistake or lose your way.

[shaws Administrator]

We have to have a blood test every six weeks after a dose increase until the TSH is 1 or lower and Free T4 and Free T3 in the upper part of the range. (the latter two are rarely tested in the NHS and members get them privately through one of the private labs but that's not necessary yet as you are just starting out.

There's no quick-fix as it has probably taken years for our thyroid gland to fail and we're diagnosed. Increases have to be very gradual as we are dealing with hormones and can take some time for you to feel well again.

You have a blood test every six weeks and many GPs seem to think that once the TSH is somewhere in the range (even top) is sufficient and don't increase. That's why we have to ask questions and read other posts.

Blood tests have to be at the very earliest and as surgeries are very busy these days, it is best if you make an appointment weeks before. It has to be the earliest possible and don't eat before it but afterwards. Also if you take levo in the morning don't take your morning dose until after the test. This procedure helps to keep our TSH at its highest as doctors are apt to adjust doses according to the TSH.

Request B12, Vit D, iron, ferritin and folate too. All have to be optimum.

Always get a print-out from the surgery of the results with the ranges. Ranges are important as labs differ and enables members to respond.

Symptoms are relieved in no particular order.

Some people don't need high doses of levo but we are all so different.

Levo should be taken, usually when we get up, with one full glass of water and wait an hour before eating. Food can interfere with the uptake of the hormones. Some prefer a bedtime dose so make sure stomach is empty and if you've had a heavy meal earlier, allow 3 hours between food and levo.

[geoffharry]

What dose are you on? If you've just been diagnosed as hypothyroid you will probably have started on the minimum dose, 50mcg, or even 25mcg if you're elderly. You might well see an immediate improvement, but don't be surprised if it doesn't last. Symptoms seem to go up and down every few days in a very slow oscillation till they finally settle. (This is particularly unsettling when the dose is being reduced.) Doctors usually recommend retesting TSH and T4 minimum after 6-12 weeks, and you might well have to increase the dose after that, maybe in several stages of 25mcg until you stabilise on satisfactory test results. It could be a long job!

[raine-wager in reply to geoffharry]

Consultant said I don't have hypothyroidism but gave me Levo to shut me up. Had a blood test before got to have another in 6 weeks. He said I can stay on them if they relieve the symptoms. Which has started to happen.

[Peanut31 in reply to raine-wager]

Hi raine-wager

"Consultant said I don't have hypothyroidism but, gave me Levo to shut me up"

I'm surprised he gave you Levo if said you don't have an under active thyroid. Normally they just send you away and say they can't help you.

Have you got any blood results at all for your thyroid ranges that you can post including ranges?

If you have post them on here and the experts will advise.

I had 18 months of hell feeling awful and not knowing what was wrong we me.

I saw an Endo that confirmed I had Hashimotos, went gluten free and dairy free which helped. My vitamin levels were low so I got them back to an acceptable level, but still felt awful. Anyway the endo said he couldn't help further.

Cut a long story short, I got worse and saw an understanding GP that took bloods and my TSH was 12.2 and other thyroid results out of range (under active).

I was started on 50mcg of Levo (don't accept 25 mcg) this could make you feel worse and only advised if elderly.

It's now been increased to 75mcg and I am starting to feel better. I started feeling better about the 2nd week of taking 50mcg, but, not perfect the extra 25mcg I am taking is definitely helping more.

I was originally taking TEVA (50 mcg) but, I noticed that physically I felt better, no muscle stiffness more energy, but I was ratty and really angry.

When my dosage was increased I switched makes to see if the difference in makes helped, I have been much better on this one.

Best Wishes

Peanut31

[raine-wager in reply to Peanut31]

I have added his letter above.

[raine-wager in reply to raine-wager]

He doesn't mention i have most of other symptoms. Dry skin, hair loss, slow heart rate, heavy eyelids, burning feet, etc. But at least he put me on levo. And I feel a bit better already.

[datsoon1]

i have been taking levo for years not sure its doing much good anymore