Levo - Is it actually working?

[LadyWard]

Dear all, don't shoot me down for asking this question as i know for most people its a NO!

12 weeks ago i went to GP, symptoms - Tired a lot, constipated, light headed occasionally, very hoarse voice, struggle to loose weight.

Original TSH 6.8. Put on 50mcg Levo, then increased to 75mcg 2 weeks ago. (tests shown here are before my increase)

My question is, can I try without Levo as levels aren't too bad? The reason i ask this question is that i do not feel any different since being on meds, no better, no worse, no side effects apart from i have put on 10lbs since being on medication, still eating healthy!

Part of me is thinking perhaps i do need it as even with increase there has been no effects (NOTHING) its as if i'm not taking anything, i presume if the medication was too high i would be feeling something, so maybe it is working? do i just need to give it longer?

Symptoms have not improved at all, if anything i would say they are slightly worse and i'm just a bit fatter?

Now taking Super B Complex (one a day) been taking these for a week.

Thank you in advance

[LadyWard]

Thank you, i shall continue on...and get some vitamin D spray, appreciate your help.

I'm sure like i said, if my body didn't need the Levo it would surely give me bad side effects and as that hasn't happened i guess it must be doing some good

Thank you again x

[NWA6]

Hey Ladyward. You have Hashimotos, you will always have to take Thyriod hormones. The reason you don’t feel better yet is because you’re not on a high enough replacement. But you’re doing the right thing by increasing slowly. Another 4wks and you may have to move up to 100mcg.

[LadyWard in reply to NWA6]

thank you x

[LadyWard in reply to NWA6]

I guess with this Hashimotos thing, that sometimes you will feel worse than other days depending on how active your antibodies are? is that right?

[greygoose in reply to LadyWard]

Nothing to do with the antibodies. They are secondary to the disease. It's the immune system itself that plays around with your thyroid, causing levels to fluctuate, and it's the level of the FT3 that causes symptoms, or lack of them.

[Hidden in reply to NWA6]

I can only agree with what others have said - the fact that your TSH was above 6 and you tested positive for thyroid antibodies means you'll need to be on life-long thyroid hormone replacement. As others have said, focus on getting your levels right instead of considering going off meds because you are NOT likely to feel better if you do...!

If on T4 only, you need to make sure you convert enough of it to T3. As pointed out, you should get your TSH down to 1 or slightly lower - it's still too high and your free Ts not yet optimal. This would explain why you don't feel better.

[LadyWard]

sorry one more quick question is there a vitamin D spray you recommend? x

[DippyDame]

Oh gosh! The curse of self doubt.....I know it well!

That will decrease as your knowledge of thyroid issues improves.

You are undermedicated...

TSH, is too high ...aim for 2 , or better still slightly below

FT4 is only 41% through range

FT3 is even lower at 35.9% through range

Both far too low!

After 6 weeks (to let new dose settle) on current dose ask for /do a retest

If numbers haven't improved greatly you will need another increase

Optimise vit B12, vit D, folate and ferritin this will support conversion of the storage hormone T4 to the active hormone T3.

Post the new set of results and members will advise further.

Thyroid treatment is not a quick fix, the body needs time to adjust to each increase. Your symptoms also suggest under medication...it is possible to feel worse before you feel better......so don't stop the levo. Be patient

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

I'm not a medic just another patient who has had to read and learn

Good luck

DD

[LadyWard in reply to DippyDame]

Thank you for that - understood will keep popping the pills and be patient. Thank you everyone as always x

[DippyDame in reply to LadyWard]

You are welcome

Take care

[LadyWard in reply to DippyDame]

It is ok to take vitamin d spay with Igennus Super B-Complex Folate - 60 Tablets? Thank you

[DippyDame in reply to LadyWard]

I hope SeasideSusie won't mind if I tag her about your question, she is the expert on nutrients including the best time to take them.

Thank you SS.

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to LadyWard]

There shouldn't be a problem taking them together. The spray will be absorbed through the mucous membranes in the oral cavity so can be taken any time.