Hi all, I had thyroid cancer many years ago and had a thyroidectomy. I’ve been on levothyroxine for 21 years. I’m in my early 50’s and menopausal. I’ve started HRT which still needs to adjusted BUT the Endocrinologist is lowering my levothyroxine.
I exercise regularly and have a very physical job, I’ve cut my sweets by 50% but I’m putting on weight, I’m tired all the time and I’ve asked the consultant to leave my levothyroxine dose alone until my HRT is stable. But they are not listening. Is or has anyone experienced this? What did you do?
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mary_frank
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mary_frank, On what basis is your levothyroxine dose being lowered? Please post the thyroid blood test results that have triggered the endo to say this.
Hi RedApple, basically it was a telephone consultation from the Endocrinologist. I haven’t had a blood test since May 2022. It seems from what she said it is more due to my age and the risks of levothyroxine on my brain and bones. My last blood test results are:
She wants to lower my levothyroxine to 75mcg but I said no but agreed to take that level on weekends and continue with the 100 in the week.
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I would refuse to adjust Levothyroxine without a full thyroid blood test (TSH, FT3, FT4). Although I have actually needed a slight reduction in thyroid medication since starting HRT, many women actually need an increase.
If your GP is unable to complete all thyroid blood tests (eg if TSH is within range, some surgeries may not be able to access FT4 and FT3 tests), you could look to do this privately, as many forum members do, for a better picture of your thyroid health: thyroiduk.org/help-and-supp...
Do share results with us when you have them.
Regarding optimal dosing of HRT, it may be useful to have a look at Dr Louise Newson’s free Balance App, as I find it really useful. There is also an ability to post questions.healthunlocked.com/redirect...
Thanks Buddy195, I will check out Dr. Louise Newton’s app and the thyroid uk website. I will be calling my gp as I’m due a blood test. I will let you know the results.
Refuse to reduce dose until had FULL thyroid and vitamin testing done 6-8 weeks after starting on HRT
HRT frequently results in needing INCREASE in levothyroxine
Is your HRT pills or patches
Pills must be at least 4 hours away from levothyroxine
Recommended that all thyroid blood tests early morning, ideally just before 9am, only drink water between waking and test, and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test
This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip)
Private tests are available as NHS currently rarely tests Ft3 or all relevant vitamins
List of private testing options and money off codes
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