Hi, I'm reading so many terrifying reviews of levothyroxine on here. I struggle to find any kind of positivity on this site at all to be honest. It makes me terrified of this condition!
I feel better off Levo that on it. However since my TSH is 11 , my T3 is too high at 6.8 (3-6) and t4 normal 13 (11-22) I've been told I need to start Levo by everyone on here who's been so helpful. My doctor says not to start it until my t4 is off the bottom.
I'm scared to start Levo as when I tried it 6 months ago I gained weight and felt exhausted. That's not too bad when you only have yourself to be responsible for but I have two young children.
Why on earth would it cause me to gain and feel tired ?
I'm looking for people who have done well on levothyroxine please 🙂🙂🙂🙂
Hi, Be reassured, lots of people, including me, do well on Levothyroxine. You do, though, need to keep tabs yourself on how you feel and get yourself tested, no point relying on the GP to keep you at optimum well-ness. I'm over 70, been taking Levo for over 30 years (now 100mcg, though the GP thinks 75mcg is enough - it isn't) and keeping an eye on vitamin and mineral levels, and feel great. Have confidence in yourself to get and keep yourself well.
I have always done well on levo. Over 25years now and the only time I’ve had trouble was when I listened to doctors that knew nothing and put me in a very bad place. Research. Question everything and never leave the surgery without a printout of your bloods 😉💃
Thank you both ! This sounds positive
Since I became hypothyroid I gained around 10lbs. I'd like to remove that again!
Did you lose weight ? Feel less tired ? How long did it take ? I've taken my first 75mcg this morning I feel terrified
It depends on how long it takes to get all your results in line. Most of us feel better with a tsh of 1or below with ft3 and ft4 in upper third or near top. Levo isn’t a quick fix but more of an art like all thyroid meds when it comes to finding your own ideal dose. Keep all your printouts and write your dose at time of testing on the top . Hopefully someone will advise on all tests needed soon. I am useless at posting links sorry
I’ve been on Levo for about 12 months and I have responded really well to treatment. I started on 50mcg and currently on 100mcg. I feel so much better, I’d say running at 80% of ‘normal me’ so able to get on with life - yay!
My tsh is currently 2, and GP has decided that’s ok because it’s in the lower half of the range, and that my residual symptoms are down to something else. I disagree! So all I’m saying is be prepared to read, read and learn, go to your appointments prepared and equipped to fight your corner. You never know you might have a great GP who is up to speed with treating us!
Great thank you !
I'm considered sub clinical at the moment , with a high TSH. But the others are rising slowly too.
Sometimes I worry that I don't need the Levo and that's why it doesn't make me feel good.
I guess I'll have I wait and see again .
My TSH is rather high but seems to be pulling the other numbers up with it, will taking Levo stop my thyroid working on its own?
Take the Levothyroxine, your TSH at 11, you must be feeling awful?
My TSH was 12.2 when I started Levothyroxine and I was like a walking zombie.
For your doctors to say wait until your T4 is rock bottom is a stupid thing to say when you have a high TSH.
I’m now on 100mcg of Levothyroxine with a blood test due shortly for an increase. Bloods should be taken every 6 weeks as early as possible in the morning, no food, drink water only, don’t take Levothyroxine that morning.
Test TSH, T3 & T4
Regardless of what my bloods results will be soon I’m going to make sure my GP gives me the increase.
My symptoms are slowly disappearing by each increase I have.
I have learnt it is a very slow process and takes time to get on the correct dosage.
Research as much as you can and be prepared to politely, but, firmly explain to the GP how you feel.
Test results are all ok, but, if you’ve still got symptoms then your not on the correct dosage.
Make sure you start on 50mcg of Levothyroxine not 25mcg.
25mcg can make you feel worse and it’s for elderly patients and those with heart conditions.
Regarding the brand of Levothyroxine, there are several posts about TEVA, this didn’t suit me either, made me very ratty and biting peoples heads off.
I changed brand when I had my increase and I’m a lot better.
You may find your ok on Teva, and others don’t suit you.
Vitamins play an important role in thyroid as well, vitamin D, iron, Ferritin and B12, perhaps request your GP to check those.
Best Wishes
Peanut31
Thanks very much that was helpful ! Did you gain or lose weight taking levothyroxine ?
I haven’t lost weight on Levothyroxine, my weight is still very unstable, put a few pounds on then off again, on again.
Before I was on Levothyroxine this is how it was, but the weight gain not as much.
However, I know I’m not on the right dosage yet, as my body temperature in the morning is decreasing now and I’m still very tired in the mornings, despite sleeping through the night.
My neck stiffness is still an issue as well.
What has disappeared is my anxiety and brain fog and my tummy issues (I’m gluten free) and I’m not as exhausted in the day.
We don’t hear from people who are doing well on levothyroxine. Think about it - if patients feel they’re doing well on levothyroxine they don’t feel the need to hunt for more information about how to manage their condition. And never find forums like this one...
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