Still no better. : Hi, I’ve been on 50mg... - Thyroid UK

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Still no better.

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Hi, I’ve been on 50mg thyroxine for about six weeks now, and still don’t feel any better. Still very fatigued still in pain, and still putting on weight ( though I think Christmas chocolate hasn’t helped!)

My TSH was 5.3 before meditation and going back for more bloods in new year.

My other results were normal. ( T4,T3 antibodies etc) my vit D and folate were low, but have been supplementing those.

My question is... shouldn’t I be feeling better by now if it’s my thyroid that’s been causing any of my symptoms?

Your advice would be welcomed.

A Happy New Year to all. Xx

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17 Replies

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SlowDragonAdministrator6 years ago

50mcg is only a starter dose. Most patients eventually need somewhere between 100mcg and 200mcg Levothyroxine

We have to increase slowly, retesting 6-8 weeks after each dose increase

All thyroid blood tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and fasting. Do not take Levothyroxine dose in the 24 hours prior to test, delay and take immediately after blood draw. This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, best not mentioned to GP or phlebotomist)

Post your results and ranges once you get them

Dose increase is in maximum of 25mcg steps until TSH is around one and FT4 in top third of range and FT3 at least half way in range

Vitamin levels need to be optimal too

You need ferritin and B12 tested too

Were BOTH TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested?

• in reply toSlowDragon6 years ago

Thank you for your reply. I am confused about the result TPA and thyroglobulin antibody result? Are these within range? As it’s say <10 &< 9 which I don’t understand. I am also wondering about my iron, as confused as read not to take iron and other supplements if on levo. I am trying to find a good all round multivitamin as suspect I am low on quite a few minerals and vitamins. Also considering acidophilus as I have terrible gut, and don’t think I am absorbing well. I am also wondering why I am getting palpaptations about an hour after taking levo. Is this normal? This is a minefield to me confused and very down .

6 years ago

Hi Slowdragon, yes I had a full thyroid check done through medicheck results were

Tsh 5.17 (0.27-4.20)

Free thyroxine 16.900 (12-22)

Free T3 4.82 (3.10-6.80)

Thyroglobulin antibody <10(0.00-115.0)

Thyroid peroxidase antibodies <9.0 (0.00-34)

From these results my go prescribed 50mg levothyroxine

I also take vitamin D and K2, folic acid, and magnesium.

My Gp said my tsh could just be a blip! Because all other thyroid results good.

• in reply to6 years ago

It's not a blip, you still don't feel well. You will need an increase in medication it takes time to increase to feel better.

• in reply to6 years ago

Thank you for your reply. Xx

• in reply to6 years ago

I felt very little - if any - better when my TSH was just under 3! You definitely need an increase. The fact that some healthy people may feel OK with a TSH well over that means nothing. And your T3 and T4 are not high enough. Based on those results alone it would be a surprise if you said you felt fine!

• in reply to6 years ago

Thank you for your reply. I should be more patient!

• in reply to6 years ago

Not easy, but only way to go x

silverfox76 years ago

As a very rough guide you are aiming to be optimal so not just in range. So most feel better when TSH is near, or even lower than 1, FT4 and FT3 should be in the top third of there respective ranges. Our thyroid needs Vit D, B12, folate and ferritin to all be optimal to help it work better so you still have a way to go. Nothing works quickly with thyroid and we mustn't try to speed it up asxthat can mean having to restart from the beginning again!

There are some other things to be aware of as well which your doctor won't have mentioned. This forum is administered by Thyroid Uk. If you look at their site you will see other points of interest. We often need to be patient as it does take time to get it working at its best.

• in reply tosilverfox76 years ago

Thank you so much for your reply. Is it ok to take iron on levo? As I’ve read not to take it,though think I am deficient.

FancyPants54• in reply to6 years ago

Oh yes you can and should take iron if you are deficient. But you shouldn't take it within 4 hours of a thyroid medication. So if you take your Levothyroxine in the morning, take your iron with your evening meal or in the afternoon, whatever suits. Take it with a Vitamin C supplement too, to aid absorption.

• in reply toFancyPants546 years ago

Thanks so much, I’ve just read this, and now trying to work out my medication regime.

• in reply toFancyPants546 years ago

My ferritin was 35.9 ( 13-150) so on the lower end of the range, but within range. Do you think I should supplementation this level?

FancyPants54• in reply to6 years ago

Hi. Yes. You need to get that level up to half way and hold it there. I take an iron tablet, but it's too slow on the ferritin so I also make sure I eat some pate, or black pudding every week. I can't do liver. But pate on toast is lovely and black pudding a bacon and eggs is great.

• in reply toFancyPants546 years ago

Hi Fancypants... thanks for replying 🙂 problem is I am vegetarian, and usually have a good diet and normally eat nuts lentils beans and leafy greens, but so tired and ill, I’ve not been eating well, so it’s hardly surprising I’m low in iron. I was within range but towards the bottom end. I really need to sort my diet out, but meat is not an option for me. Glad you enjoy yours though 😁