Stomach pains and bloating

[Mazzer]

Hi, me again!

Since reducing Levo from 150 to 125mcg two weeks ago I have had intermittent stomach pains, bloating and nausea. I am taking 100mcg Accord and 25mcg Teva.

I believe that I’m under medicated and am waiting to see an Endo as I don’t seem to convert well. On 150 mcg ( 2 weeks ago) my TSH was 0.19 T4 24.5and T3 4.95.

I have said that reducing Levo and not adding T3 won’t help me but what do I know?

Do you think my gut issues are because I’m under medicated or that The Levo is upsetting my guts.

Thank you all.

[Lalatoot]

Teva levo is known to cause problems and reactions for many. You could cut your 100mcg tablet into 4 to try to see if getting 25mcg that way eases your problem.

[Mazzer in reply to Lalatoot]

I’m having trouble getting enough spare to cut up. I’ve asked for 50accord to cut up. I’ll speak to the GP again.

[Buddy195 Administrator]

I agree that it could be the Teva. Have you tried eliminating gluten? Being gluten free eliminated all my stomach issues.

[Mazzer in reply to Buddy195]

I have as eating gluten before I started Levo and had no gut issues. Coeliac test is also negative. Ta.

[Mazzer in reply to Buddy195]

I went gluten free for 2 years and there were no noticeable changes to my digestion. I may do it again but it’s an added restriction and stress. I think it might be the Teva.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Mazzer]

Bloating and gut issues are Hypothyroid symptoms

So it could dose reduction

Were you taking any Teva when on 150mcg

Teva upsets or is completely intolerable for many people

Teva contains mannitol as a filler, which seems to be possible cause of problems. Teva is the only brand that makes 75mcg tablet. So if avoiding Teva for 75mcg dose ask for 25mcg to add to 50mcg or just extra 50mcg tablets to cut in half

But for some people (usually if lactose intolerant, Teva is by far the best option)

Teva, Aristo and Glenmark are the only lactose free tablets

Most easily available (and often most easily tolerated) are Mercury Pharma or Accord

Accord is also boxed as Almus via Boots, and Northstar 50mcg and 100mcg via Lloyds ....but beware 25mcg Northstar is Teva

List of different brands available in U.K.

thyroiduk.org/medications-f...

Teva poll

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

Once you find a brand that suits you, best to make sure to only get that one at each prescription.

Watch out for brand change when dose is increased or at repeat prescription.

academic.oup.com/jcem/artic...

Physicians should: 1) alert patients that preparations may be switched at the pharmacy; 2) encourage patients to ask to remain on the same preparation at every pharmacy refill; and 3) make sure patients understand the need to have their TSH retested and the potential for dosing readjusted every time their LT4 preparation is switched (18).

No other medication or supplements at same as Levothyroxine, leave at least 2 hour gap. Some like iron, calcium, magnesium, HRT, omeprazole or vitamin D should be four hours away

(Time gap doesn't apply to Vitamin D mouth spray)

Bloods should be retested 6-8 weeks after any dose change or brand change in levothyroxine

If you normally take levothyroxine at bedtime/in night ...adjust timings as follows prior to blood test

If testing Monday morning, delay Saturday evening dose levothyroxine until Sunday morning. Delay Sunday evening dose levothyroxine until after blood test on Monday morning. Take Monday evening dose levothyroxine as per normal

What vitamin supplements are you currently taking?

When were vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 last tested?

It’s extremely common to develop gluten intolerance when on levothyroxine

[Mazzer in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you. I’ve asked for 50mcg Accord so that I can cut them up. I’ll see if this improves my stomach issues.

[Mannequin18]

Hi, I react badly to Teva. Only had it for 4 days and my stomach feels like it has razor blades in it. I haven't had any since Thursday, and I am still in pain, and very bloated.

Hope you sort yours out.

[Marinaaa]

It happens to me as well at periods. Seven years ago having that all the time and insomnia as well, it was diagnosed as anxiety. Coming back now similar sympthoms.

I dont believe its anxiety any longer. I think it is more related to thyroid medication dose (im also on levo) or, and Im learning about this now, it is related to hormonal imbalance of progesterone and estrogen that also produces sympthoms similar to irritable bowel sympthom.

Im quite sure it is that in my case. I have adapted my diet to a really appropriate one but it didn't help so much and feel I eat like a granma.

But the thing here Im starting to question myself now is, is it the sexual hormones or... is it the levo dose that is affecting the hormones and not creating enough of them....?

How old are you?

[Marinaaa in reply to Marinaaa]

I dont know if it can be your case, but when your body is hypothiroidal, your liver cant eliminate excess estrogens well, and that causes an imbalance with the hormone progesterone, called hyperestrogenism, and Pm syndrome as well.

[Mazzer in reply to Marinaaa]

I’m 61.