flu-like symptoms and thyroid increase

[Chrssy58]

Hi there,

My GP has recently increased my thyroid medication (at my request) approx a month ago from 125 to 137 mcg. My last blood results showed TSH at 1.64 and my FT3 and FT4 were around 50% (I don’t remember the exact numbers - I am not a home to get the info) I wanted to increase bc I repeatedly experience flu-like symptoms, low energy and have to eat very little to prevent weight gain. I am getting lab work done on August 30th so wanted to see how I fared with a higher dose until then.

I felt fine but about a week ago, I started to feel sick, like I had the flu. Sore throat, extreme tiredness, headache, diarrhea, nausea, malaise and even a sore back and neck. Now I’m worried my dose may be too high. Should I stick it out until the 30th or take an extra 12 mcg every 2nd day? I don’t know what I should do but I don’t seem to b3 getting better after a week of this.

[Chrssy58]

Thanks in advance

[greygoose]

With that high TSH, and Frees around 50%, it is highly unlikely that such a very small increase would make you over-medicated. You're still on less than an average dose. And, it sounds more like some sort of bug than over-medication, anyway. But, if you want to get tested on 30th, you need to stay on the same dose, because every time you change your dose, you have to put the clock back to zero and wait another six weeks before testing. There's no point in testing unless you've been on a dose for at least six weeks.

[Chrssy58 in reply to greygoose]

I understand but I feel terrible with some anxiety so I don’t know what to do.

[greygoose in reply to Chrssy58]

Anxiety is often a hypo symptom, so you're probably still under-medicated.

[Gummybearx]

Have you tested for covid? Only those symptoms sound like it is. I am just recovering from my first bout of Covid and felt very much like that.

[Chrssy58 in reply to Gummybearx]

Yes, I used a rapid test and it was negative. I don’t have a cough or any congestion so most likely accurate.

[raglansleeve in reply to Chrssy58]

Rapid tests are often negative until the 3rd day or so, so if you've just started being ill, you may have to test again. Also, flu and cold bugs are also going around even though it's summer, so I wouldn't rule those out.

😀

[Popoff]

Looking at the thyroid function numbers that you mentioned and your symptoms it may be possible that you are actually overmedicated. Three things to consider; (1) you stated that your FT3 & FT4 were around 50% of the range at the last testing. Assuming that you done these tests in the morning before taking your thyroxine, then your actual numbers will probably be about 20% higher, so adding 12.5 mg may have taken you above what your body needs; (2) the hot weather does affect our thyroid function. I find that i need to reduce my dose by 12.5mg when i am visiting a place with a hot climate; (3) flu type symptoms, fatigue, low energy can all be consistent with overmedication. Like you, even small increases such as 12.5 mg seem to have an affect on me for a few days. It would be better not to keep changing the dose and whatever dose you want to continue with, just stay on it until your next blood tests. I hope that the above helps.

[Chrssy58]

Thank you so much for your reply. It makes a lot of sense. I have decided to take extra 12.5 every other day. I hate messing around with my meds but don’t want to feel this way for 15 more days until bloodwork. I hope it’s enough to improve symptoms.

[greygoose in reply to Chrssy58]

In that case, you cannot test on 30th August because the results will be meaningless.

[Chrssy58 in reply to greygoose]

I skipped a 12.5 dose yesterday but I’ll go back to taking full amount until the 30th. Thanks for your input.

[greygoose in reply to Chrssy58]

You're welcome.