Hypothyroidism medication

[Kay82]

So I was having trouble with my thyroid hypothyroidism they gave me 50mg of Levothyroxine had bloods done last week they said it’s stabilised but I don’t feel any better nothing has improved, I constantly throughout the day have a feeling like something stuck in my throat, will this get better or is this how it will be for aslong as I have this ..... ? I’m just so exhausted all the time and got really low mood .....

[cjrsquared]

It is overwhelming when first diagnosed especially when you feel so unwell. 50mcg is normally a starting dose and then it is increased in 25mcg doses until you feel better and symptoms have resolved. You need to get copies of your blood results and the ranges and then post them on here for others to comment. Do you know if your gp tested for thyroid peroxidase antibodies and if this was raised? If so it means you have hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune disease which attacks the thyroid. There is a lot to read and learn about in order to take control of your own health. I’m sure others will comment and mention vitamins and minerals that need to be optimal, which will help.

In the first instance get copies of your blood tests, post them and if you can read some of the other posts. It is likely that your thyroid has been struggling for some time and it is not unusual for it to take some months for levels to stabilise. I believe you will need to go back to your doctor but wait until you have a little more information to argue your corner. Good luck.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

First thing is, do you have any actual blood test results? if not will need to get hold of copies. You are legally entitled to printed copies of your blood test results and ranges.

The best way to get access to current and historic blood test results is to register for online access to your medical record and blood test results

UK GP practices are supposed to offer everyone online access for blood test results. Ring and ask if this is available and apply to do so if possible, if it is you may need "enhanced access" to see blood results.

In reality many GP surgeries do not have blood test results online yet

Alternatively ring receptionist and request printed copies of results. Allow couple of days and then go and pick up.

Important to see exactly what has been tested and equally important what hasn’t been tested yet

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 you have autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's) diagnosed by raised Thyroid antibodies

Ask GP to test vitamin levels

You may need to get full Thyroid testing privately as NHS refuses to test TG antibodies if TPO antibodies are negative

Recommended on here that all thyroid blood tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and before eating or drinking anything other than water .

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

This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, best not mentioned to GP or phlebotomist)

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 is in top third of range and FT3 at least half way through range

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)

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

Come back with new post once you get actual results