Stopped taking levothyroxine.

[sobs1962]

I made the decision to stop taking levothyroxine some 6 weeks ago and try using ashwagandha 1600mg per day instead. Thought I felt ok, but have had it pointed out to me stopping taking levothyroxine is almost as bad as not eating and drinking as it is a hormone replacement that is 100% necessary. My GP surgery took me off levothyroxine due to believing I was over-replaced as was having high heartrate, palpitations and physical shaking especially of my hands. It turns out the cause of the symptoms was due to Propranolol withdrawal caused by coming off Propranolol too quickly. Went back on Propranolol at 10mg 4 times daily and am now taking 10mg twice a day and will very gradually taper it off, even if it means taking quarter of a tablet 3 times a day as coming off too quickly caused it to mess with heart rate and adrenal levels, so was in fight or flight mode for 5 weeks and consequently lost almost half a stone, but not recommended as was a horrendous experience and landed me in A&E twice where blood tests were done which showed my heart is fine. Rang GP surgery two weeks ago to arrange repeat blood tests but they refused to do them saying that they are due to be repeated in February,despite receiving a letter from endocrinology department that stated keep on same dose (125mg) levothyroxine and repeat blood in 6-8 weeks. Doctor told me to restart levothyroxine at 25mcg and build up repeating bloods every 4 weeks or so after each increase. I'm totally confused and have restarted my levothyroxine at 25mcg as advised but I know that's far too small a dose to do anything.

Any thoughts or advise on all this and sorry for length of post.

[sobs1962]

Just an add on to previous post,taking ashwagandha has reduced my stress and anxiety considerably so would like to continue,but doubt if doctor will be happy with that despite it being well known that your adrenal function can interfere with conversion from T4 to T3 and ashwagandha definitely for me helps that.

[greygoose in reply to sobs1962]

If you think your doctor won't like you taking ashwagandha, then don't tell him. He doesn't prescribe it, does he? If you find it helps you, then keep taking it. It's not him that has to suffer the consequences of all his stupid actions. Frankly, I'd want another doctor! This one is a muppet!

[Mostew in reply to greygoose]

Well said !!

[greygoose in reply to Mostew]

Thank you.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Suggest you start at 50mcg Levothyroxine

Always get same brand of levothyroxine at each prescription.

Bloods should be retested 6-8 weeks after each dose change (or brand change) in levothyroxine

What vitamin supplements are you currently taking

Vitamin levels can crash down if levothyroxine is stopped

[sobs1962 in reply to SlowDragon]

I'm taking Better You Vit d+ K2 spray, Igennus Super B complex and magnesium powder (1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon) daily all recommended on here. Like I said, my stress and anxiety has reduced greatly since taking ashwagandha and magnesium, much better than being on propranolol for years and much easier to come off as and when needed. Still on propranolol at 10mg twice a day and will reduce very very slowly, even if it means taking 1/4 tablets to get right off. Ashwagandha has an effect on the HPA axis and helps to bring the adrenal glands back into balance, therefore improving conversion of T4 to T3 it also has many other health benefits and has been used in ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years, so I intend to carry on taking it whether my doctor likes it or not.