How to ask gp to up my levothyroxin?

[timmysmom]

I've got gp appointment later today. I want to ask her to increase my levothyroxin from the 50 mcg I've been on since being diagnosed 7 years ago. I had my levels tested about 6 months ago but I don't know the results yet. I've put in a request for all my results going back 7 years.

I'm after advice on how to convince gp that I may need more levothyroxin as my fatigue and brain fog are still a big problem meaning I can only work 12 hours per week.

I will try looking through relevant posts on here as well, but struggling to concentrate🧐🙄😜.

Thanks in advance.x

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

For a first step, just gently suggest that you had been wondering if your dose was adequate?

I suspect you would have to have another test as six months is a long time ago.

[timmysmom in reply to helvella]

Thanks helvella, I'm also wondering if I should ask to be referred to a endocrinologist?

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to timmysmom]

Do you want anything other than an increased levothyroxine dose?

If not, I'd just ask. It is what I did fairly recently. (Had already increased and the GP only had to change my records and print a new prescription.)

[timmysmom in reply to helvella]

Thanks helvella.

[Treepie]

You should be able to see your results online ,all practices are supposed to have online access to records ,but some are behind, Ask the receptionist .

[timmysmom in reply to Treepie]

Thanks Treepie, I'll ask about that.x

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Ideally you would get all your blood test results FIRST

Then you know where you stand

But if you must see GP before you get copies

Go in and ask what your recent test results were

Then simply request a 25mcg dose increase in levothyroxine

If GP is reluctant, ask them to show you EXACTLY why they don’t think you need dose increase

If they can’t be persuaded to increase dose then say you would like referral to a thyroid specialist endocrinologists to discuss ongoing symptoms

BEFORE you see GP email Dionne at Thyroid UK for list of recommend thyroid specialist endocrinologists. Make a note of who you would like referral to, so you can request this at the meeting with GP ....if necessary

thyroiduk.org/tuk/About_Us/...

Suggest you print this NHS guidelines out - highlight relevant paragraph

Produce as evidence if need be

nhs.uk/medicines/levothyrox...

Adults usually start with a dose between 50 micrograms and 100 micrograms taken once a day. This may be increased gradually over a few weeks to between 100 micrograms and 200 micrograms taken once a day.

NICE guidelines too

cks.nice.org.uk/hypothyroid...

The initial recommended dose is:

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.

[timmysmom in reply to SlowDragon]

Thanks Slow dragon, that's very helpful.😊