Gastro/ Possible IBS linked to Levothyroxine

[MariaStrawCinar]

Hello,

I have been trying Levothyroxine since March as I used to take NDT. I have had real tummy upset like IBS and it seems to be linked to Levo.

I had gastro issues last year after having Covid that never fully cleared up but it seems the Levo exacerbated this.

I will try switching brands from Teva - anyone with a similar experience and switched?

Many thanks

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Very possibly it's the Teva brand, many members have had so many adverse reactions to this brand.

So avoid Teva in all dose tablets, and if you need 25mcg tablets also avoid Northstar 25mcg because these are made by Teva. Northstar 100mcg and 50mcg are made by Accord.

[MariaStrawCinar in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thanks - I will ask for another brand and see if there is an improvement.

[Rosetwine]

I have only ever been on synthetic thyroxine (not Teva) but yes, I do suspect there's a connection between synthetic thyroxine in general and possible IBS issues. I've found I've had to be more 'careful' than usual about taking care of digestion since taking levo. However, there are ways around it - eg focusing on eating more veg, possibly taking a magnesium supplement, etc

[MariaStrawCinar in reply to Rosetwine]

I see- yes. It can create more sensitivity.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Being under medicated also tends to make gut issues worse

When hypothyroid we frequently have low stomach acid, this leads to poor nutrient absorption and low vitamin levels as direct result

Acid reflux, bloating, wind, IBS etc etc

Are you on strictly gluten free diet or dairy free diet

How much levothyroxine are you currently taking

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

ALWAYS test as early as possible in morning before eating or drinking anything other than water and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test

Do you have any recent results to add

What vitamin supplements are you currently taking

[MariaStrawCinar in reply to SlowDragon]

Yes gluten free since 2014. I am taking 100mgs now and will test very soon as the time has come to see what effect it has had on my TSH etc then I will add those results.

I take Vit D,C and Magensium as well as B vitamins that are in the Floridux I take for iron- was given A but made me feel a bit nauseous

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to MariaStrawCinar]

Remember to stop taking any supplements that contain biotin a week before ALL BLOOD TESTS as biotin can falsely affect test results

If testing iron stop iron supplements a week before test

Always test early morning before eating or drinking anything other than water and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test

If gluten intolerant, likely to need addition of T3 prescribed alongside levothyroxine

[MariaStrawCinar in reply to SlowDragon]

Thanks - is there a link between gluten intolerance and needling T3

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to MariaStrawCinar]

Almost inevitable

Gluten intolerance equals leaky gut and poor gut function

20% of conversion should take place in the gut