4 weeks on T4 medication

[Jump1]

So 4 weeks on 50mcg of T4 medication and I am noticing no noticeable improvements. Is it normally 8 weeks before you see some improvements?

[SlowDragon Administrator]

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

50mcg is only a starter dose

Which brand of levothyroxine are you currently taking

What vitamin supplements are you currently taking

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

Do you have high thyroid antibodies? (Aka Hashimoto’s)

[Buddy195 Administrator]

Everyone is different Jump1, but it was only after a couple of months on Levo that I started to see improvements. Equally important is to optimise key vitamins (ferritin, folate, B12 and vit D). Have you had these checked at all? If not, do ask your GP for these tests or (as many of us do on this forum), test key vitamins privately. Remember to keep posting if you need further help or support; members are extremely helpful! 😊

[Jump1 in reply to Buddy195]

All my vitamins are good. I regularly test them and take vitamin supplements. Last time tested about 5 weeks ago now. I have hashis. On accord. Fingers crossed I see something soon.

[Buddy195 Administrator in reply to Jump1]

I’m sure you will start to feel better as your Levo dose increases. Some people are happy to increase in increments of 25mcg Levo, but some (like me) have to go a bit slower, adding 12.5mcg a time to reach an optimal level.

[Jump1 in reply to Buddy195]

She said that when she reviewed me if symptoms didn't improve but bloods did she wouldn't continue with the supplementation as I was subclinical. This is a trial. I'm worried she won't continue if symptoms don't improve but bloods do to bring it back into range for her.

[Buddy195 Administrator in reply to Jump1]

🤞your trial continues

[greygoose in reply to Jump1]

Then you have to lie - why not? Doctors lie to us. Tell her that some symptoms have improved, but you feel the dose is not quite high enough and an increase of 25 mcg would surely bring you great benefit.

[Bearo]

When on a starter dose of 50mcg it’s not unusual to feel worse before increasing the dose and then gradually starting to feel better. Or you may feel better and then worse on each increase. But your GP can’t expect all symptoms to resolve before you reach your optimal dose, even though you may be ‘in range’ before that. Somehow you’re going to have to hone your arguments to get your increases!