How long for Levo to take effect?

[Jamima]

I’ve started self medicating with Levo 50 dose. I’ve had almost 3 years of a partial life and NHS medics who keep telling me I’m healthy and I’m afraid I just can’t do it anymore. My question is, how long does it take for any effects to be seen. I’ve only been taking it for a week and feel a little lighter in mood and less fatigued. Is this possible so soon?

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

It is impossible to know. Some people notice a single dose - other take weeks to realize things are changing.

Entirely possible to feel a bit better after a week.

Make sure you get tested and dose adjusted about six weeks after you started.

[Jamima in reply to helvella]

Thank you, yes I will test regularly.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Unlikely to notice much improvement for 2 weeks

Might not see anything noticeable for 6 weeks

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

[Jamima in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you.

[greygoose]

Yes, it's possible. Doesn't work like that for everyone, but we're all different. However, it will take 6 to 8 weeks to feel the full effects. I'm glad for you that you're feeling better already.

However, don't panic if you suddenly start to feel worse again. That is a perfectly normal chain of events: start levo, feel better, feel worse again. It doesn't mean that they levo has 'stopped working', or that it's 'not right for you'. I just means that whilst your body is grateful for the sudden surge of extra thyroid hormone, it goes on to realise that it's not enough, and you are ready for an increase in dose.

That pattern can repeat with every increase until you get to your optimal dose, and the symptoms don't come back. That is what we call your 'sweet-spot'.

[Jamima in reply to greygoose]

Great, many thanks Greygoose. When testing, how long do I leave after last dose?

[greygoose in reply to Jamima]

24 hours. Make sure you get an early appointment for the blood draw - before 9 am, because that's when TSH is at its highest - and fast over-night. No food or coffee before the test because that can lower TSH.

[Jamima in reply to greygoose]

Many thanks.

[greygoose in reply to Jamima]

You're welcome.

[Jamima in reply to greygoose]

I wonder if you can help with this too - I have a phone consult with my nhs endo in 4 weeks, he’s been less than useless up until now, but I don’t know what to tell him, assuming I continue to get better, do I confess to the self medicating? Will he then discharge me?

[greygoose in reply to Jamima]

Oh, I really can't advise you on that. It depends so much on the man himself: his temperament, his character, his understanding of thyroid... I would suggest that you listen to anything he has to say before deciding. You could always write him a letter after your appointment, when you've had time to consider. I'm afraid it's a situation you have to play by ear.

[Jamima in reply to greygoose]

Many thanks.

[greygoose in reply to Jamima]

You're welcome.