Hello
I am 13 weeks pregnant and after getting my bloods done my levels were a T4 12.1 and a TSH of 3.54. So the doctor put me on 25 mcg of Levothyroxine. I took it this morning first thing, i felt very strange all day. Like very fatigued and weak, heart palpitations and abit strange.
I was wondering is this normal and do i need to let it settle into my system or is the dose too high?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated as im very anxious about this. Thanks you.
Hi, you would ideally get a full thyroid panel done including t3 and antibodies but most people have to pay for this private. Take a look at the hypothyroid mom website and izabella Wentz work, both have helped me. In terms of medication 25 is a low dose, when I change my dose it takes months to get used to so can't really offer any advise there I'm afraid. Its not teva brand you are taking is it? As lots of people have reactions to that? Xx
25mcg is a very low starter dose. Most should be started on at least 50mcg.
Also, when someone already on thyroid meds falls pregnant, the advice is to immediately increase their dose by 50mcg.
Given both of these facts, I think you should be on at least 50mcg, so it could be worth calling your doctor to discuss.
thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...
I've looked up the guidance available, and if you click the third link on the above page, you will get a very good guidance document - this says that if you are newly diagnosed hypo whilst pregnant, you should immediately be started on a dose of 100mcg - I would suggest you call your doctor today to demand an increased dose.
Absolutely essential to get vitamin D, folate, B12 and ferritin tested as well
Always get actual results and ranges. Come back with new post once you get results
These are frequently too low, especially if the cause of your hypothyroidism is due to autoimmune thyroid disease.
As vast majority of hypothyroidism is due to autoimmune, it's pretty likely
These guidelines clearly state starting on 100mcg Levothyroxine is recommended
thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/guidel...
Suggest you see GP today as emergency appointment to discuss
Always take Levo on empty stomach and then nothing apart from water for at least an hour after.
Many take Levothyroxine early morning, on waking, but it may be more convenient and possibly more effective taken at bedtime.
verywell.com/should-i-take-...
Other medication at least 2 hours away, some like HRT, iron, calcium, vitamin D or magnesium at least four hours away from Levothyroxine
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
If GP won't agree to 100mcg, standard starter dose should be 50mcg
This link may be informative:-
thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...
When having blood tests for thyroid hormones it should always be at the very earliest, fasting (you can drink water) and allow a gap of 24 hours between last dose of hormones and the test and take it afterwards.
When you quote your results, always include the ranges. Ranges are in brackets and enables members to comment upon results.
Hi Newgirl01,
Many congratulations on your pregnancy! The dose you are on, is very low, so very surprised your GP has started you on that initially especially as you are now pregnant.
Your results are very low in range as well. I know my range is between 12-22 and I normally sit at middle to upper end of the range.
As everyone has already said, I would ask to see your GP and also mention it to your Gynaecologist/Obstetrician - I know from my experience, they tend to give more medication during the pregnancy to supplement you. It was my Gynaecologist who referred me to my then Endocrinologist, as my thyroid was so out of kilter.
My daughter who is 15 weeks pregnant, told me that she was told that the baby's blood is already in her blood, so if that is the case, will be taking nutrients and supplements from you. So you need to be as healthy as you can be.
Hope all goes well and that you start feeling better soon, so you can enjoy your pregnancy.
Keep in touch
Ah thankyou! X
Thanks for your response everyone and articles you have left me. Im going to speak to my doctor asap xx
Great! Let us know how you get on x
Will do, thanks! X
Its says safe range in first trimester is between 10-18 and i am 12.1 so hopefully ive got it just in time x
Unfortunately I think that's based on the lab that East Lothian uses, so it could be misleading. Every lab has different ranges. I've seen some labs have a range of maybe 5-15, and some have a range of 14-24. Your result is fine if your lab's range is 5-18, it's not great if your lab's range is, say, 12-24.
On your blood test, your range is usually given in brackets next to your result - do you have that information?
Your TSH is also very important in pregnancy - you're TSH needs to be below 2.5.
No unfortunately i was never given the range, i will speak to my doctor about that too. Thankyou x
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