I’m on week 6 of my Levo 25mcg initiation and still feeling just as lousy . My results before starting we’re TSH 12.7 (0.27-4.20), T4 13.5 (12-22), T3 4.42 (3.10-6.80).
I’ve had some Medichecks bloods done and wondered if I should start self supplementing any now, or after my review with the GP in a month?
Active B12 - 51 (25-165)
Vit D - 56 (50-200)
Folate (serum) - 7 (3-50)
Ferritin - 55 (13-150)
Also, I’m certain I should be taking Magnesium, but very confused about which type as seem to be many different ones.
Grateful as always for any advice, thanks.
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advoash
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Not surprised you feel lousy on 'starter' dose of 25 mcg of levothyroxin, normal starter is 50 mcg unless infant, elderly or have known heart problem. Plus testing, to add another 25 mcg should be more like 6 to 8 weeks, rather than what will be 10 for you. A very cautious Gp it would seem! Your Vit/ min levels are very poor: folate and ferritin should be at least halfway thru ranges, ferritin can be 100-130 if menstruating woman. Similarly your Vit D and B12 are near the bottom of their ranges: Vit D should be 100-150, B12 near the top of range. Since you are not actually deficient in anything I doubt your doctor will provide a prescription to improve your levels. Look at SeasideSusie's replies to posts - she provides excellent advice on supplement levels, dosage, brands etc. I'd improve my nutrient levels, but others might provide more specialist knowledge/comment on how to do this. Do you know if you have thyroid autoimmune antibodies/Hashimoto's disease with poor gut absorption, which often makes hypothyroid sufferers have low nutrients? If so have you tried a gluten free, or even dairy free, diet?
Forgot to say that my antibodies are only 10 so I’m assuming that means not Hashimoto’s? I am 51 with no heart probs, so disappointed that I’m only on 25mcg. When I told my husband about my vitamins he was shocked, as he knows how healthy my diet is. I will take your advice and look back at SeasideSusie’s advice on self supplementing. Thank you.
Have you been tested for both thyroid autoimmune antibodies: NHS usually does TPO only, but TgAb could be causing Hashimoto's by itself too...only my TgAb was very raised? Might have to do private blood test for that though.
Well the positive is that your GP knows to keep testing, some don't! When I was started on medication everyone started on 25 but that was in the dark ages and we start low to let our bodies get used to the medication. So the other positive note is that you will start to improve as you increase doses. You are aiming to get FT4 up around 19 and hopefully the others will be around the right place then. It's a slow process I'm afraid and that's how it is. Increases are in 25's so in effect next time you will be doubling your dose! Supplements can take a while to build up so no harm in starting straight away as they help your thyroid to work better. I would start them at two weekly intervals though in case anything upsets you. Nothing worse than finding out when start ed on them all and have no idea which one or even Ines could be giving you a problem.
Magnesium, well I take Magnesium Malate at lunch as it is supposed to give you energy and Magnesium Glycinate at night as good for sleep. I few weeks back I made a mistake and took both at once and had very little sleep!
No so sorry I should have put Glycinate at night. I was in the doctors waiting room and they were telling me they had an earlier cancellation so I was rushing to get finished for my earlier time!
One day recently I missed my lunch time ones so without thinking took lunch and bedtime together and then realised my mistake!
Well your GP is following guidelines in that anyone over 50 is advised to start on 25mcg Levothyroxine. But dose will need increasing in 25mcg steps until TSH is around one and FT4 towards top of range and FT3 at least half way in range
Your GP should be retesting thyroid levels around now and increase dose and retest again in another 6-8 weeks
All thyroid tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and fasting. When on Levothyroxine, take last dose 24 hours prior to test, and take next dose straight after test. This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, GP will be unaware)
NHS guidelines saying standard starter dose is 50mcgs unless over 50 years old
With hypothyroidism our gut is often affected, due to low stomach acid and then poor absorption of nutrients
It's not what you eat, but what you can absorb that affects vitamin levels
Eating liver or liver pate once a week should help improve ferritin level
Vitamin D is too low. Aiming to improve to around 100nmol. Vitamin D mouth spray by Better You is good as avoids poor gut function. Suggest you supplement 2000iu for 2-3 months and retest. It's trial and error what dose each person needs. You might need higher dose.
Once you Improve level, very likely you will need on going maintenance dose to keep it there. Important to Retest twice yearly via vitamindtest.org.uk
Also read up on importance of magnesium and vitamin K2 Mk7 supplements when taking vitamin D
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