Re Doctors visit

[Casaclara]

Hi everyone, I visited my GP and showed him my Medichecks test results. He wants me to get another blood test on the NHS which is fair enough, but he did agree to reinstate my Levo. He wants to start me off though on such a low dose, he’s prescribed one month 12.5 mg ( didn’t even think that dose existed and Then I can increase to 25mg after one month. Then go back to visit after that? Some advice would be appreciated? He said he’s worried about me going Hyper otherwise!! Thanks

[Hidden]

that's a ridiculously low dose! Could you post your test results with ranges? X

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Recommended starter dose for over 50 years old is 25mcg.

Retesting after 6-8 weeks and increased in 25mcg steps until TSH is around one and FT4 towards top of range and FT3 at least half way in range

NHS guidelines

beta.nhs.uk/medicines/levot...

Suggest you see a different GP, especially if he refuses to increase dose up when you are ready to increase from 25mcg

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)

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

[greygoose]

Please, do inform him that, as you are hypo, you cannot 'go hyper', it's a physical impossibility (as he should know!). The thyroid doesn't jump around like that, but slowly declines.

You could, of course, be over-medicated, but starting on a dose of 50 mcg, with levels like yours, is hardly likely to over-medicate you. On the contrary, starting on such a low dose is likely to make you even worse, because it's enough to stop your thyroid's natural production, but not enough to replace it.

[Casaclara]

Thanks for all your comments, I really appreciate it! 😄 I’ve got six weeks worth of 25mg (combining the months worth of 12.5mg into two weeks). I’ll see how I get on with that, and then retest. 🤞I’m also trying to get all my ducks in a row re vits and adrenals so I’m hoping for the best healthwise. I will be in Portugal for five of the next six weeks relaxing away from my usual stress and strains so best environment to heal I reckon, 🙏