Hi all, i hope you can help me. I'm sitting here reading all this information about Hypothyroidism and i'm getting a bit overwhelmed. I was diagnosed hypothyroidism a couple days ago. Here are my blood test results that i know of:
TSH 13.1
T4 11.1
I took my first dose of levo (25) this morning and started to feel itchy all over and generally more tired than usual (a bit hazy). So i've phoned the GP and they've arranged a pharmacist to consult with me on Monday.
1) Is it normal to have that kind of side effect on levo, is this a sign that i should be on more/less?
2) Is there anything else i need to know about my diagnosis/results, the doctor didn't have much time to explain it in depth to me? - i was oblivious to what hypothyroidism a couple days ago and a bit taken aback by it all.
Thanks in advance
Written by
wbites
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
I suggest that you start by looking at Thyroid UK web site where you will find a wealth of information about symptoms, blood tests and treatment.25 mcg is a very small starting amount and sadly can result in symptoms getting worse as your pituitary gland senses the levo and produces less TSH .
Always provide the ranges when you post results. You also need to know FT3 ,which is the active hormone, and ferritin,folate,B12 and D3 as if vits are not optimum for you the levo will not work as well.
The other thing to note is that a particular brand of levo may cause side effects for some folk. This is because of the fillers etc used in the pills.
Often FT3 is tested when being diagnosed but not after , which is crackers as it is the hormone every cell needs .Even if a GP asks for the test labs. may refuse to do it as TSH is all they go by but is insufficient. It is why so many on this forum use private testing.
The range is shown in brackets .Best to avoid the term “normal” as it was it optimum for you that is important.
1) Is it normal to have that kind of side effect on levo, is this a sign that i should be on more/less?
Some people have reactions to all sorts of medication, sometimes it's the medication itself, sometimes it's the exipients.
What brand of Levo are you on - it will be on the box and on the foil backing of the blister pack. If it is Teva that is a brand many people have adverse reactions to.
You have been put a low starting dose, 25mcg is usually reserved for children, the elderly or those with a heart condition. Normal starting dose is 50mcg. Repeat testing/increasing dose by 25mcg should be done every 6-8 weeks after starting Levo until you reach a dose where you feel well. When on Levo only, the aim of a treated hypo patient generally is for TSH to be 1 or lower with FT4 and FT3 in the upper part of their ranges if that is where you feel well.
2) Is there anything else i need to know about my diagnosis/results, the doctor didn't have much time to explain it in depth to me? - i was oblivious to what hypothyroidism a couple days ago and a bit taken aback by it all.
As Treepie has mentioned, have a look around ThyroidUK's main website
For most people: 50–100 micrograms once daily, preferably taken at least 30 minutes before breakfast, caffeine-containing liquids (such as coffee or tea), or other drugs.
This should be adjusted in increments of 25–50 micrograms every 3–4 weeks according to response. The usual maintenance dose is 100–200 micrograms once daily
For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 plus both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested. Also extremely important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12
Low vitamin levels are extremely common, especially if Thyroid antibodies are raised
Ask GP to test vitamin levels and thyroid antibodies at next blood test
Bloods should be retested 6-8 weeks after each dose increase
Always take Levo on empty stomach and then nothing apart from water for at least an hour after.
Many people take Levothyroxine early morning, on waking, but it may be more convenient and possibly more effective taken at bedtime.
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
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
T3 side effects 
Side Effects!
Latest results - some side effects showing
Eltroxin side effects?
