Thyroid medicine

[Khawajakira]

Can I leave my thyroxine medicine 50 mg

I did diagnose in unactive thyroid

But now it's normal

[Peanut31]

You need to keep taking your medication in order to function, thyroid medication is long term.

When you say it’s normal, did your GP tell you this or have you had a copy of your latest Thyroid results?

50mcg of Levothyroxine is normally a starter dosage.

Have all your symptoms disappeared?

Best wishes

Peanut31

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Khawajakira

If you mean that your test results are now within the normal range, then the thyroxine has done that. It is replacing the thyroid hormone your body can't produce itself. If you stop taking your thyroxine then your symptoms will come back. Thyroxine is a replacement hormone, it's long term, it doesn't work like a pain killer.

[Judithdalston]

Have you the thyroid blood tests before( when you were diagnosed) and after? Very few people recover from hypothyroidism, but results do fluctuate if you also have Hashimoto's thyroid autoimmune antibodies( have you been tested for antibodies?): the antibodies mistaken believe the thyroid gland is 'alien', attack the thyroid and cells complete with thyroid hormones get flushed away in the blood. This results in fluctuating thyroid blood results - you might be in a 'quiet' period when antibodies are not active, and results 'normal', but they will come back. If you have Hashimoto's consider starting a gluten free diet as this limits the antibodies.

[shaws Administrator]

Can you post your results, with the ranges, that the blood test showed. If you are in the UK, we are entitled to a print-out of your results (some surgeries charge a nominal sum for paper/ink).

'Normal' is a meaningless word if hypothyroid and, besides, 50mcg is just a starting dose.

If we are diagnosed as hypothyroid, it is an autoimmune condition which is extremely serious if not treated optimally and 50mcg levothyroxine seems small to me.

It is a life-long condition and levothyroxine is a hormone to replace the one the thyroid gland is no longer providing. We also do not pay for any other medications for any other problems

Your TSH should be 1 or lower (not somewhere in the range) and your Free T4 and Free T3 should be in the upper part of the range. The latter two are rarely tested but you can have those privately if you wish.

Hypothyroidism can be fatal if unmedicated. It is a lifelong treatment.

Ask your doctor to also test B12, Vit D, iron, ferritin and folate.

Always get a print-out of your results with the ranges for your own records and post for comments.

Levothyroxine should be taken either first thing when you get up with one full glass of water and wait an hour before eating. Or, at bedtime as long as your stomach is empty and 2 to 3 hours is needed if you've had a meal beforehand. If taking a bedtime dose, miss this if having a blood test next a.m. and take afterwards and night dose as usual on the same day.

If having a blood test it has to be always at the earliest, fasting (you can drink water) and wait an hour before eating.

[Radiance1969]

I've been on 50mg levothyoxin too, similar attitude from my general practitioners. I believe that they should have upped the dose and refers for endocrinologist years ago. Sadly that was not to be, the battle continues with symptomatic excess. I've presented them with evidence though the cash cow and the budget finance seems to be what stops the continuity of improvement in treating on a named patient basis and access.... Red tape and politics. Apologies for my ramblings and chaotic disorder. I empathize your frustration and impatience and patience. Be well soon