Just to say hi and learn from you all

[Orcidrose]

Hi to all I've just been proscribed medication for my thyroid problem after doctors refused to treat for this but this is all new not sure what to expect. Thank you

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Welcome to the forum.

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4, FT3 plus TPO and TG thyroid antibodies and also very important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12

Do you have recent blood test results and ranges to add?

Has your GP prescribed 50mcg 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.

Other medication at least 2 hours away, some like HRT, iron, vitamin D or magnesium at least four hours away from Levothyroxine

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 at repeat prescription. Many patients do NOT get on well with Teva brand of Levothyroxine. Though it is the only one for lactose intolerant patients

Bloods should be retested in 6-8 weeks after initial starter dose

[Orcidrose in reply to SlowDragon]

Hi thankful for your reply , I'm trying to get get my head around all this . My previous gp told me I had a thyroid problem over 2years ago with some high colestrol then I had to change gp they to picked up on thyroid and so blood test were redone and I had another test a week ago and today they have started me on medication but nothing was said about levels or anything I'm completely in the dark i would appreciate any information and help I've also been treated for depression as I feel very low and so drained they have put me off work .

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Orcidrose]

Depression is very common when hypothyroid and should improve as you get use to your Levothyroxine

Levothyroxine is not an instant fix, it takes about 6 weeks to fully get in your system, hence blood is not retested until 6-8 weeks

Some people find different brands of Levothyroxine don't suit them

Which brand have you been started on? And is it 50mcg dose?

You are legally entitled to printed copies of your blood test results

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

It's very helpful to keep a good record of how you feel, dose of Levothyroxine on and the brand and actual blood test results and ranges, over time

List of hypothyroid symptoms

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...