Under active thyroids symptoms

[Tucker85]

Hi my name is Leanne and recently found out that I have under active thyroids, I've just started taking my tablets and have to to back for a blood test in 3 months. I'm.juat really surfing with tiredness and very emotional. Do anyone else feel this way ? x

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Welcome to the forum, yes it's extremely common to feel pretty rough on starter dose, but we have to start on low dose and increase slowly.

Blood test should be 6-8 weeks after starting, not three months, especially if you are suffering

How much Levothyroxine have you been started on?

And what is the brand of Levo too. Not al, brands suit everyone

Can you add your most recent blood test results and ranges for TSH, FT3 and FT4. Plus do you know if you have had thyroid antibodies tested?

If you have also had vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 tested, add these too

If you don't have copies of blood tests, you are legally entitled to them

UK GP practices are supposed to offer online access for blood test results. Ring and ask if this is available and apply to do so if possible, if it is you may need enhanced access to see blood results.

In reality many GP surgeries do not have blood test results online yet

Alternatively ring receptionist and request printed copies of results. Allow couple of days and then go and pick up. They can no longer charge for printing out, rules changed after May 25th 2018

Did your GP explain how to take Levothyroxine?

Always take Levo on empty stomach and then nothing apart from water for at least an hour after.

Many take early morning on waking, but it may be more convenient and possibly more effective taken at bedtime. But some try bedtime and don't like it

verywell.com/should-i-take-...

Many people find Levothyroxine brands are not interchangeable. Once you find a brand that suits you, best to make sure to only get that one at each prescription. Watch out for brand change when dose is increased or on repeat prescription

When it's time to be retested ideally thyroid tests should be done as early as possible in morning and fasting and don't take Levo in the 24 hours prior to test, delay and take straight after. This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, GP will be unaware)