Changes to skin on levothyroxine

[hbc11]

I have been on levothyroxine for 2.5 months now and it has improved my life significantly. However the skin on my face is now rough/coarse textured and I'm getting a fair amount of spots where I never did before. Has anyone had anything similar? Did it settle down after being on the medication for a longer time?

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Welcome to the forum

How much levothyroxine are you currently taking?

Do you always get same brand, if yes, which brand

Bloods should be retested 6-8 weeks after each dose increase

Presumably you have some recent 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.

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

Frequently only TSH is tested, which is completely inadequate

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

Do you know if you have Hashimoto’s

Ask GP to test vitamin levels (and thyroid antibodies if not been tested yet)

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)

Is this how you do your tests?

Private tests are available as NHS currently rarely tests Ft3 or thyroid antibodies or all relevant vitamins

List of private testing options

thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...

Medichecks Thyroid plus antibodies and vitamins

medichecks.com/products/adv...

Thriva Thyroid plus antibodies and vitamins By DIY fingerpick test

thriva.co/tests/thyroid-test

Thriva also offer just vitamin testing

Blue Horizon Thyroid Premium Gold includes antibodies, cortisol and vitamins by DIY fingerprick test

bluehorizonbloodtests.co.uk...

If you can get GP to test vitamins and antibodies then cheapest option for just TSH, FT4 and FT3

£29 (via NHS private service ) and 10% off if go on thyroid uk for code

thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...

monitormyhealth.org.uk/thyr...

[Batty1]

Yes! Ive been on levo for 3 months and have rough patches of skin on my forehead and brown colored patches on my jaw line. I never thought it was the levo.

[EmmaM44]

Hi hbc11

I have the same thing with my skin too, mainly a facial issue, hard waxy patches of skin, more spots and seem to be under the skin, acne I suppose and very dry no matter how much I moisturise.

My face feels puffy, especially under my eyes and I seem to be completely heat intolerant, last summer my face was constantly red and irritated. The skin feels thicker.

I started to experience this as soon as I was put on levothyroxine 2 years ago when I was diagnosed with hypothyroid. I'm mostly given the Teva brand and after doing my research and thinking back to when my symptoms worsened I'm convinced it's the levothyroxine.

I've only just through the help of this site wised up to the fact that Teva brand seems to have adverse effects on people. My skin was fine before taking this.

I've noticed skin changes on other parts of my body but nothing in comparison to my face, I suppose this will always be much more of an issue as it's the face and will make you feel very self conscious.

I'm going to see a private endocrinologist this week who has a more naturalistic approach, he was recommended to me by my nutritionist so I will see what he says. I will make another post on any information and helpful advise he gives.

I'm really hoping to see improvement by taking another approach to the levothyroxine especially Teva!

This site has been so helpful,

Thank you everyone!