Terrie

[SIMMY1962]

Hi I was given 50 levothroxine and my horrible symptoms went after several months they returned so I've now been given a extra 25 levothroxine I've been taking it for three weeks but my symptoms are still there how long before it works

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Simmy1962

It takes 6 weeks for the full effects of a dose increase, so it's a little early to know if you are optimally medicated yet. You should be retested 6 - 8 weeks after a dose change and further adjustment of dose made if necessary.

What were the results of your latest test? Can you post them with their reference ranges and we can see if you may be OK with just 25mcg increase or whether you may need more.

Ideally we need to see TSH, FT4 and FT3. Also, if done, thyroid antibodies and because we need optimal levels of vitamins and minerals for thyroid hormone to work properly we need Vit D, B12, Folate and Ferritin tested.

[SIMMY1962 in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thanks for replying g I am very New at this and have not got my results I've left it all up to the doctor they said everything was ok with everything else I'll get the results printed and post them .

[Peanut31 in reply to SIMMY1962]

You’ll soon learn Simmy1962 as I did on this thyroid journey (and I’m still learning), what the doctors call ‘normal’ results aren’t necessarily normal to us and we can feel absolutely dreadful.

They go by test results and NHS guidelines, not many go by how the patient is feeling.

I’m currently on 100mcg of Levothyroxine and have a blood test due in July.

It takes time to start feeling better and some dosage increase may not have such an impact on you.

Thanks to this forum I’ve had such brilliant advice and I’ve followed it, which is now paying off.

I’m feeling a lot better on 100mcg but, not perfect, as the 6 weeks approaches it’s like my body is getting ready for that increase.

As SeasideSusie has explained retest after 6 weeks with an increase of 25mcg each time.

Make sure you have bloods taken first thing in the morning as well.8-8.30am in order to get that increase of Levothyroxine.

If your surgery offers access on line to your blood results sign up for this. If not ask for copies of your blood results (full lab copies) don’t be fobbed off by the GP and receptionist.

You are entitled to them by law and they can no longer charge for this.

I’ve learnt, in order to have a good relationship with my GP go in there confident and armed with information, that way they can’t fob you off, which I have been in the pass by an Endocrinologist.

Good luck & Best wishes

Peanut31

[SIMMY1962 in reply to Peanut31]

Thanks I will do that