Hot flushes dozens s day

[pigeonpie]

Hi does anyone have any advice about levothyroxine dosage I’m 65 on 75mg a day for last 15 years hot flushes are constant every day among the far to many other things to mention I was wondering weather to up or down my dose slightly and if this may help ! Bloods always come back “ within the normal range “ which then makes it pointless asking doc for help if it’s within range there not interested.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

pigeonpie

From your timescale it would appear that your flushes started around the average time of the menopause (age 50). Some women suffer more than others with this, my mother was still having flushes in her 80s. Have you discussed the flushes with your GP?

You would need to post your test results, with reference ranges, for anyone to comment on whether your dose of Levo needs adjusting. For a full picture we need

TSH

FT4

FT3

Thyroid antibodies

Vit D

B12

Folate

Ferritin

If you don't have results, ask the receptionist at your GP's surgery for a print out, we are legally entitled to our test results. Don't accept hand written or verbal results, make sure you get a print out.

[pigeonpie]

Many thanks I will ask for a print out ! Yes started menopause at 40 so 🤞will be over soon

[Hibs1]

I have still got flushes at 71 from when I was 50. Glad not just me!

[SlowDragon Administrator]

75mcg is only one step up from starter dose of 50mcg. So unless you are tiny/skinny you may be under treated

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 plus both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested. Also very important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12

Low vitamin levels are extremely common, especially if Thyroid antibodies are raised

Recommended on here that all thyroid blood tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and fasting. This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, best not mentioned to GP or phlebotomist)

Last Levothyroxine dose should be 24 hours prior to test, (taking delayed dose immediately after blood draw).

Is this how you do your tests?

Private tests are available. Thousands on here forced to do this as NHS often refuses to test FT3 or antibodies or all vitamins

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

Medichecks Thyroid plus ultra vitamin or Blue Horizon Thyroid plus eleven are the most popular choice. DIY finger prick test or option to pay extra for private blood draw. Both companies often have special offers, Medichecks usually have offers on Thursdays, Blue Horizon its more random

If antibodies are high this is Hashimoto's, (also known by medics here in UK more commonly as autoimmune thyroid disease). About 90% of all primary hypothyroidism in Uk is due to Hashimoto's.

Low vitamins are especially common with Hashimoto's. Food intolerances are very common too, especially gluten. So it's important to get TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested at least once .

Link about thyroid blood tests

thyroiduk.org/tuk/testing/t...

Link about antibodies and Hashimoto's

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

List of hypothyroid symptoms

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

The aim of Levothyroxine is to increase the dose slowly in 25mcg steps upwards until TSH is under 2 (many need TSH significantly under one) and most important is that FT4 in top third of range and FT3 at least half way in range

All four vitamins need to be regularly tested and frequently need supplementing to maintain optimal levels

NHS guidelines on Levothyroxine including that most patients eventually need somewhere between 100mcg and 200mcg Levothyroxine.

nhs.uk/medicines/levothyrox...

Also what foods to avoid (eg recommended to avoid calcium rich foods at least four hours from taking Levo)

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. Teva is the only brand that makes 75mcg tablet.

[sweetsusie]

I had horrible hot flashes and night sweats....my doctor finally allowed me to take HRT (hormone replacement therapy)! I now do not have any of these problems..I'm 71 years old and was still having them....as Izzy said in "Fried Green Tomatoes..." "You should get you some hormones, girl!"