New to levothyroxine

[Yppah]

Hi all,

I started taking levothyroxine 50mg 1 week ago. On day 3 I noticed having more energy in the mornings so thought this was all great. But day 5 I noticed I was sweating a fair bit more. I do sweat more than most so didn’t think too much. But then I realised I absolutely stink. Is this something that is a sign I shouldn’t take it? Or does it just take a while to get used to it and hopefully work through it? It’s really hard as I am unable to do proper exercise and so my walk to and from work I see as important since it is my only exercise. But I can’t get to work and just honk for the whole day. Any tips?!

Thanks again x

[cbraffe]

Hi I also started taking it 3 weeks ago and I am going through the same . I am yet to back to meet the surgeon as I had a total thyrodecotomy. For the smell it is pretty tough. I have been using half a lemon with the skin on squeezed on to a flannel to wash my arm pits while showering. It does work try it if u can. I have also changed to a stronger deodorant

[Yppah in reply to cbraffe]

Thank you, will try that, I was noticing soap wasn’t quite doing it! I wish you a speedy recovery.

[SilverAvocado]

Yppah, first starting on Levothyroxine is a strange time. Doctors will underplay it and suggest you won't feel very different or will just gently improve. But actually it's a bit of a rollercoaster, many people will feel worse on 50mcg, and it won't be until the dose is adjusted a few times that they get solid improvement.

Your biochemistry is being adjusted, and it is not necessarily an easy ride. Thyroid hormone is needed by every cell and organ in the body, so you can get almost any kind of symptom.

Usually being hypothyroid reduces sweating, although everyone is different. As your metabolism starts to get back to normal it can also reveal other things like vitamin deficiencies that didn't cause symptoms when your metabolism was lower, too. Or things can just be out of kilter for a while, but improve later as your body settles down on thyroid hormone.

For example I've experienced breathlessness in the past after a dose adjustment, but I think it was a good sign really. It seemed to be caused by having enough energy to move around with a bit more gusto, but it took a while for the rest of my body to catch up. Sweating sounds like it might be something similar.

[Yppah in reply to SilverAvocado]

Ah OK, thank you, makes sense. I don’t think I had quite grasped the patience and effort involved in getting better.

[TSH110]

Try Mitcham deodorant - the spray version is best. I had a phase of the most hideously pungent BO and that kept it at bay. It seems a bit better now I am properly medicated but I keep using the mitcham just in case! And keep taking the thyroxine - you need it to get better again and might get odd changes as you go along with it. I get the sweating 😓 that one is never fully quelled for me I’m afraid.

[Yppah in reply to TSH110]

Sorry you had this too. I actually gave up anti-perspirant 10 years ago and only use deodorant now. Oddly, after making that change, I felt like I was sweating less, and definitely much less on my face. I may have to go back to Mitcham though and give it a try as that was the best. Or just never leave the house again!

[TSH110 in reply to Yppah]

You could try the non spray version I found it ruined my clothes underarms!

[jgelliss]

I'm sorry your experiencing some issues . When I sweat more than usual I know I'm in Hyper mode . Though I must add that it can be Hypo Symptom too . Some Symptoms can over lap each other Hypo/Hyper . The best way to know is to have some labs done FT3 FT4 TSH . I don't know if your on any nutrients but that can also help with our thyroid meds to work better for us .