Just thought I’d let you know that my doctor has started me on a trial of Levothyroxine. She’s started me on the lowest dose of 25micrograms and is only testing again in 6 weeks, but I’m not complaining and just hope that she follows through to a therapeutic dose. Will fight tooth and nail if she doesn’t.
It is down to all of you wonderful, knowledgeable advisors and I can not thank you enough.
Brilliant news
Best to request Mercury Pharma brand or Wockhart (rather than Teva brand)
Thank you, SlowDragon, I have been given Teva! I’m scared to ask for a different brand right now, as I don’t want to rock the boat. Please remind me why Teva is to be avoided, as I would need some ammo to broach the subject. Phoned the pharmacy and it’s the only brand they have.
I started on Teva and didn't find it a problem; possibly because my body was so desperate for help at that point!
When I went back on it for my 75mcg dose it gave me awful PMT. I felt unhinged, it was a bit scary!
Anyway, you might find that in the first instance it doesn't cause any issues. 
See how you get on
But if you react badly, it is more likely due to the brand than to the fact you are trialing levothyroxine
Teva brand contains mannitol (instead of lactose).
Thank you SD and plant_lady. I will ask for a different brand if and when gp increases the dose. Do you think I would see an improvement on this low dose? Or more to the point, feel any better?
Typically when start on levothyroxine we get some improvements, then as your body gets ready for next dose increase after 5-8 weeks, you see hypothyroid symptoms starting to return ...this doesn’t mean it’s not working...but that you need next 25mcg dose increase in levothyroxine
That is good news, SlowDragon. 👏🏼
May I ask why have you been started on only 25mcgs?
Since 2019, NICE now recommend dosing by weight. "Consider starting levothyroxine at a dosage of 1.6 micrograms per kilogram of body weight per day (rounded to the nearest 25 micrograms) for adults under 65 with primary hypothyroidism and no history of cardiovascular disease.
Consider starting levothyroxine at a dosage of 25 to 50 micrograms per day with titration for adults aged 65 and over and adults with a history of cardiovascular disease."
Hi TaraJR, I’m 71 😩 and my gp is being cautious! I’ve been banging on for 21/2 years and don’t want to annoy her. I know I sound like a whimp, but need to try this, then bring some gentle persuasion to the table. Thank you for your advice. I would think that a larger dose would give her more information at my, no not 3, but 6 week blood test! So be it for now.
Ah yes, that makes sense! Steady does it. I hope you get those tests repeated every 6-8 weeks for a while, and they compare your results against your symptoms. And get advice on here again - what a wonderful forum this is!
If it were not for this forum my GP would have happily left me on 25mg forever. With the advice of people here I was able to challenge and have dose increases agreed. I can’t imagine how awful I’d still be feeling on 25mg. It helps to start with but you will likely need an increase as everything settles. Slowly does it 😊 I’m now on 100mg (and waiting for my next increase) Keep posting for support and advice and you will get there x
Thank you Josephineinamachine 😅 I will try to get her to work with me on this. So hard to have a proper conversation over the phone. I honestly think that this new way of consulting is going to come back to bite them.
update on t3 trial
Suppressed TSH, on T3 trial
Trial of Levothyroxine
Been given a reluctant temporary increase in meds
