Feel better

[Reed2]

Hi.how long time to start feel better after taking thyroxine spacily dry skin and hair

[Marz]

SlowDragon gave you good advice 13 days ago. She also asked questions. If you are able to respond with the requested information then we can all offer suggestions that may help you improve dry hair and skin ...

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Reed2

It can take many months before you feel better. You start on a low dose of thyroxine, usually 50mcg, then every 6-8 weeks you should be tested and dose increased by 25mcg at a time until your TSH is low in range - usually around 1 or lower - and FT4/FT3 in the upper part of their reference ranges, if that is where you feel well. There is no quick fix with hypothyroidism.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Previous post

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

How much levothyroxine are you currently taking

When was dose last increased

Do you always get same brand of levothyroxine

When were thyroid and vitamin levels last tested

What vitamin supplements are you currently taking

Do you have Hashimoto’s

If yes Hashimoto’s, are you on strictly gluten free diet

Please add most recent blood test results and ranges

[Reed2 in reply to SlowDragon]

Hi..I'm taking 100 thyroxine every day for 3 months but I can't see any changes in My hair texture still fell like straw. I'm very sad

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Reed2]

Reed2

There are a lot of questions that SlowDragon asked you and you haven't answered. If you can answer her questions then we may be able to help you.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Reed2]

So after 6-8 weeks you need FULL thyroid and vitamin testing, including thyroid antibodies if not been tested yet

Are you in the U.K.?

You are legally entitled to 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.

Link re access

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

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....about 90% of primary hypothyroidism is autoimmune thyroid disease, so highly likely

Ask GP to test vitamin levels

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)

Please add results and ranges if you have any