Advise required re levothyroxine increase - Thyroid UK

Thyroid UK

141,188 members166,427 posts

Advise required re levothyroxine increase

beandrummo profile image
6 Replies

Hi all, just returned from my prescription review, our GP only tests for TSH, only ever says its in range. Have been on 75 mug for years. Had blood test 2/3 month ago as felt unwell, TSH then was 2.6, today was told its 1.86. When I questioned it, GP informed me that my more thyroxine was being produced by my brain so the lower figure is an improvement. Told her I’m tired, joints ache, have arthritis everywhere. She then increased dose to 100mcg for a month to see if I feel better. Also reduced amitriptyline to 10mg from 25. Can I have your expert opinions please? (Other than change GP!)

Written by
beandrummo profile image
beandrummo
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
6 Replies
greygoose profile image
greygoose

Your brain is producing more thyroxine? Did your doctor do anatomy in med school? I wonder what she thinks the thyroid is for if thyroid hormone is produced in the brain?

One month is not long enough to feel the full effect of an increase. It should be at least six weeks. Sounds like she's setting you up to fail. :(

SeasideSusie profile image
SeasideSusieRemembering

beandrummo

You need 6-8 weeks for a dose change to stabilise your results and see if you feel any improvement, I don't think a month is enough.

If not already done, then ask for Vit D, B12, Folate and Ferritin to be tested. Your joint aches may be due to low Vit D.

Were your blood tests done at the same time, fasting? Time of day, and eating will affect TSH. TSH is highest early morning and lowers throughout the day, eating can lower TSH. So unless conditions were the same both times, you can't accurately compare your result.

It's your thyroid gland that produces thyroxine. The puituitary looks to see if there is enough hormone, if not then it sends the signal TSH for the thyroid to produce some.

beandrummo profile image
beandrummo in reply toSeasideSusie

Hi both tests were taken as early as possible at Surgery, 8.30 a.m. fasting from 6p.m the previous evening and took levothyroxine at 6.00 the morning before blood test. For the first test I had feritin VitD and foliate test, was told everything ok but would not give actual numbers despite my insisting.

SeasideSusie profile image
SeasideSusieRemembering in reply tobeandrummo

beandrummo

You'll have to see how you go on your new dose but if I were you I would stretch the next test to 6 weeks if you have enough tablets.

If you ever have FT4 tested, then it's important to take your Levo after the blood draw not before. This is because Levo peaks in the blood up to 6 hours after taking it, and testing after taking your dose means that the result will reflect the fact that you've taken your Levo, not what's normally circulating in your blood, and will give a false high FT4. It doesn't affect TSH so it's fine for your current test, but just a heads up if you do get FT4 tested in the future.

You are legally entitled to your test results under the Data Protection Act. Don't ask your GP for them, ask at the reception desk for a print out. Don't accept verbal or hand written results as mistakes can be made, get a print out. If they are reluctant, remind them that you are legally entitled to them and you're sure nobody there would wish to break the law.

Aurealis profile image
Aurealis

Following a dose increase when taking Levo I used to feel well within three days. I know it’s not usual and the improvement didn’t last if I needed another increase. So there may be a difference quite quickly....

Your GP maybe needs to go back to medical school, or use google more often :)

Aurealis profile image
Aurealis

PS I don’t 5hink there’s a linear relationship between tsh and T4 :)

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Levothyroxine Increase

Hello I am new here. I was diagnosed with sub-clinical Hypothyroidism in 2015 during private...
Katyf1 profile image

Advise Required

I'm new here ... so am looking to recieve any advise. I have felt unwell for several months now and...
pattypoops profile image

Can I take Levothyroxine ?

All, I have my blood test booked next week and I am going to wait for my result. Before that, 2...
luv2017 profile image

More levothyroxine?

Hello all. I have posted here before but not given my levels. This is what I have Free t4 14.5...
Kentoldlady profile image

Re test after reduction in levothyroxine

Two months ago I posted my test results TSH - 0.03 (0.35 - 5.00) mu/f FT4 - 24.2 (9.0 - 21) pmol/l...
Gym4me profile image

Moderation team

See all
Buddy195 profile image
Buddy195Administrator
RedApple profile image
RedAppleAdministrator
PurpleNails profile image
PurpleNailsAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.