How long for Levothyroxine to start working?

[ShonaGreen]

Hi,

I'm new to this, been feeling unwell for a while and recent private blood tests showed a possible thyroid problem, results are below and thanks to those that responded to my first message with your advise that possibly have central hypothyroidism:

TSH 1.92 (range 0.35 - 4.50)

Free T4 11.8 (range 11.0 - 26.0)

Free T3 2.8 (range 3.9 - 6.8)

I met with a new GP recently, he seemed interested in trying to help but was cautious about saying whether I had a thyroid problem until doing some more tests. He prescribed 50mg Levothyroxine to see if this helped me, and had more blood tests checking thyroid antibodies, FSH & LH , prolactin, Vitamin D and iron studies (other tests have been done recently with normal results). I've got another appointment with the GP next week to discuss the results.

I've only been taking Levothyroxine for a week, and unfortunately I picked up a nasty cold at the same time so I've been feeling pretty rubbish. We're taking the kids to Florida in a few weeks and I really want to be feeling better by then!

I'm wondering how long it might take for Levothyroxine to work, and any other handy tips or advise about what I can do in the meantime to get on the road to recovery!

Many thanks for your help!

[Aurealis]

Hi Shona, I’m not medically qualified but I would interpret your tests as primary hypothyroidism. When I first started Levo I felt some improvement straight away but this was short lived until I had a dose increase. I have always been able to feel the effects of Levo within three days but this isn’t typical for everyone. As you’ve got a cold this week isn’t typical at all. Your body has to adjust to Levo dose for at least a couple of weeks before an increase, though you will find that your GP wants another blood test probably after six weeks, before an increase. However it is how you feel that should guide treatment, not the results of tests though they are useful to see what your levels are once you are adjusted so that you’re feeling well. I would get a test as soon as you can and increase dose by 25mcg straight away after you’ve had the test. Explain to GP about holiday. Don’t worry about central hypothyroidism yet.

[ShonaGreen in reply to Aurealis]

Thanks Aurealis, I'm seeing GP next week so will ask about increasing dosage and I probably need to be a bit more patient too!

[shaws Administrator]

Doctor is cautious as they've been directed that a TSH has to reach 10 before diagnosing a patient with hypothyroidism.

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

It can take longer than six weeks to feel well but hopefully you'll find you have an improvement.

GP should also test B12, Vit D, iron, ferritin and folate. Everything has to be optimal.

You take levo on an empty stomach (usually when we get up) with one full glass of water and wait an hour before eating. Food interferes with the uptake of the hormone.

[ShonaGreen in reply to shaws]

Thanks shaws, I'm so glad I've found this forum and all the helpful advise, there's a lot to learn here!

[shaws Administrator in reply to ShonaGreen]

I think the members know more than most of the professionals when they read other members' posts. The aim is for us to recover our health and not be restricted to a dose because it is 'in range'. I've come to dislike 'in range' if they ignore our symptoms altogether and the aim is to have them all relieved.