Levothyroxine

Does anyone have any idea on how long it takes for thyroid medication to set in ? I've been taking it for a month now and feel no better at all , constantly tired to the point my eyes sting .I did think by now I would be feeling some benefits of taking it . Levothyroxine 50 micrograms is what they have given me

[PurpleNails Administrator]

Welcome to forum.

It can take some time, longer if you been unwell a long time before being diagnosed & if you aren’t on high enough replacement.

50mcg is standard starter dose.  You will need a recheck of levels 6 - 8 weeks after starting or adjusting a dose and increase by 25mcg daily until your thyroid function levels stable. (& you feel well) 

Initially the replacement dose top up low thyroid levels but after some weeks it end up replacing some of the output of  the struggling thyroid.  

Replacement doses must be gradually increased to what would be a full replacement. 

What are your recent results?

For full thyroid test you need TSH, FT4 & FT3. TPO  & TG antibodies.  Also important to test folate, ferritin, B12 & Vitamin D. If nutrients aren’t optimal levo wont work effectively & convert adequately to the active FT3.  

Most feel well when TSH is in lower part of range with FT4 in top third & FT3 at least half way.

Doctors / labs don’t always test everything , see what been tested.  You can obtain your results by requesting a printout.  Must be results with lab range.  Ranges vary so always needed.    You may also be able to set up online access.  Ask if it is available. 

 There are private options if tests are not adequate. 

[Russellb73]

you need to go back for bloods again they will check T4 levels sounds like your still under dosed ! I was put straight on 100 mcg and felt ok

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Typically you’re likely to need at least 2 more increases in dose over coming months

Approximately how much do you weigh in kilo

50mcg is only the standard starter dose, unless very petite likely to eventually be on at least 100mcg per day

Dose is increased slowly upwards in 25mcg steps retesting 6-8 weeks after each increase

ALWAYS test thyroid levels early morning, ideally just before 9am and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test

What were your results BEFORE starting on levothyroxine

Have you also had thyroid antibodies tested

Which brand of levothyroxine are you currently taking

Important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 too

[Pandora70]

Can empathise with that - having to be a very patient patient. Takes a while - a year on for me and 3 increases of Levo later, I am now feeling the benefit. What a good job this forum exists to keep our spirits up. 

[Midnight_Voice]

Do you feel that time is passing more slowly? If so, the Levo is working; though as above, you may still need the dose adjusting over time.

I’m stable on 75mcg…

[EMBoy]

I'm afraid you need to have a lot of patience. Giving a large dose of levothyroxine straight away can cause heart problems, so they start us off on low doses and gradually increase them (with regular testing) until the optimum dose is achieved. For me, it took 2 years to reach my optimum dose of 175 mcg, and it was worth the wait.

All the best.

[floss1976]

hi - have you spoken to the doctor for a repeat blood test as it maybe your dosage may not be enough x it took a few months for mine to set in and settle

[Hidden]

Thankyou everyone,I will stop being impatient and go back for more test in a month's time and take it from there ,I really thought like other tablets you would see results within the month ,my doctor hasnt really explained anything about this issue ,just sent me for a ultra scan and told me I had a prescription waiting .So thanks for all the advice I will definitely take it on board

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

If your eyes are stinging, and it isn't an infection, you probably need to use some eye drops. Dry eyes are common in hypothyroidism.

However, many find they are sensitive to the preservatives used in most eye drops. Even if you are fine to begin with, after using them for a while sensitivity can develop. Therefore, it is best to get preservative-free products.

Many use two different products - a thin drop during the day and a thicker, longer-lasting product for use at night. That is what I needed for some considerable time. Available products have changed and I am out of touch with current advice.

[Tlflom in reply to helvella]

I spent loads of money on dry eye products and procedures the last 20 yrs. The best and cheapest thing I found was an electric heated eye mask and gentle lid massage. I still need lipid eye drops.

[Starfish123 in reply to Tlflom]

you couldn’t try sea buckthorn oil supplements for dry eyes, it’s good for all dryness including internal.

[Starfish123]

I was told it takes a month of treatment for every year you have been unwell, I’m now 11years on and still not well.