Advice

[Sweenco]

hi

I’ve been on 50 levothyroxine for 6 weeks and have my first blood test tomorrow and I’m still feeling awful. Anyway I could only get an appointment for 2pm should I cancel and try and get an earlier one on another date or just go for it??

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Sweenco

Your 2pm appointment will give a lower TSH than an appointment no later than 9am. I would cancel and rearrange your appointment, even if it means waiting.

See the graph of daily rhythm of TSH here - top one

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

So as you've only just been diagnosed and started Levo, you need your TSH as high as possible so that you can get an increase in your dose and to avoid a reduction. Also, fast overnight, you can drink water, as eating can lower TSH (breakfast after blood draw) and leave off Levo for 24 hours so that you don't get a high FT4 which would happen if you took your Levo before the blood draw.

[Peanut31]

Hi

Ideally you need a blood test first thing in the morning before 9am.

Why? Your TSH is always higher first thing in the morning and this will help you gain an increase in Levothyroxine.

If you have your bloods taken at 2pm then, you may run the risk of your GP stating your TSH is within range and keep you on your current dosage of Levothyroxine, or, worse reduce it to 25mcg.

What was your TSH when you started on Levothyroxine?

Is this your second blood test since being in it?.

Best wishes

Peanut31

[Sweenco in reply to Peanut31]

Hey

My tsh was 11.4

This is my first blood test since I was started on medication.

[Peanut31 in reply to Sweenco]

On my first blood my TSH was 12.2, second blood results (6 weeks) 4.1, so it dramatically dropped and that was 8am in the morning.

It depends if your GP listens to your symptoms rather than your results.

If your GP isn’t sympathetic and you think you may struggle for an increase maybe cancel?.

Best wishes

Peanut31

[Sweenco in reply to Peanut31]

I still feel awful at some points even worse than before the levothyroxine so I defo think I need an increase.

[Peanut31 in reply to Sweenco]

I didn’t feel brilliant either, I’ve learnt this thyroid business takes time.

Best Wishes

Peanut31

[Sweenco in reply to Peanut31]

Typical I cancelled the appointment now they have nothing else till August 9th 8:15 😂😂

[silverfox7]

It can take about 6 months to find the correct dose for you so patience is needed. But at least with each increase you should feel a little better. We can't cut corners I'm afraid as we then might have to go back to the beginning. It takes 6 weeks to get each new dose fully into your system hence the length of time between tests. It is also quite common as well when we first start medication to feel better and then start to feel rough again. This is your body welcoming the increase but then saying it's not enough yet so don't be tempted to start another dose time the 6 weeks has elapsed as your thyroid has the ability to may be still rise a little more in that period so the last thing you want is to inadvertently take took much-not a great feeling, trust me!