Confused: Can I just ask a question because I am... - Thyroid UK

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Confused

Katyf1 profile image
13 Replies

Can I just ask a question because I am very confused. I have always had sub-clinical hypo thyroid results with a TSH of around 5.4 (range 0.27-4.2) and a T4 result within range but even on 50mg Levothyroxine it caused me to sweat profusely . As my TSH was still high I was increased to 75mg and then 100mg and many symptoms improved but the sweating continues and is worse now I would say and is really getting me down and affecting my ability to do things without getting hugely overheated. This is really embarrassing when I have to go to meetings. I am working on my Vitsmin D which was only just in the normal range at 50.3 and folate was not optimal so working on that too. I will retest in another 8 weeks as previously advised by those more knowledgeable on the forum based on my previous post but I am getting to the point of wondering whether I am over medicated even though my results were over the range continually for TSH and almost feel like just stopping the Levo to see what happens but know that that’s a big risk. Has anyone any further thoughts because I’m at my wits end. Thank you

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Katyf1
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13 Replies
Jaydee1507 profile image
Jaydee1507Administrator

100mcgs Levo may not be your optimal dose. You also need to get a full thyroid function test done next time to include FT3 to see whether you are converting well which could be a factor.

Getting vitamins right can take a long time to see results so patience is needed. If you experienced sweating on a low dose of Levo then that as a symptom doesn't mean you are over replaced. Just your body is getting used to it still and still has healing to do.

People have stopped their levo for similar, felt better for a short time and then slid back to where they were pre Levo. It would be a huge set back for you and not recommended.

Katyf1 profile image
Katyf1 in reply to Jaydee1507

Hi Jaydee,

These are my most recent results from a couple of weeks ago and had full iron panel which was OK if anything my iron is high but in range and Ferritin was slightly above range.

TSH 2.410 ml/U/L (range 0.27-4.2)

Free T3 4.0 pmol/L (range 3.1-6.8)

Free Thyroxine 20.9 pmol/L (range 12-22)

Thyroglobulin Antibodies 12.6 kl/U/L (range 0-115)

TPO antibodies 10.4 klU/L

Vitamin D 50.3nmol/L (range 50-250)

Folate 18.7 nm/L (range 8.83-60.8)

Vitamin B12 Active 114.0 pmol/L (range 37.5 to 188)

Ferritin was just over range at 162

Thanks for your reply as I just don’t know where to turn next with the sweating it’s really making everyday life almost impossible and very embarrassing.

I will retest in 8 weeks as advised by SlowDragon

Thank you

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply to Katyf1

Your conversion rate of Ft4 (levothyroxine) to Ft3 (active hormone) was very very poor.

Low Ft3 results in hypo symptoms

Adrenals try to compensate for lack of thyroid hormone

you may need T3 prescribed alongside levothyroxine after next test

Meanwhile working on improving low vitamin D

Now you’re gluten free you may see improvements too

Katyf1 profile image
Katyf1 in reply to SlowDragon

Thank you again SlowDragon I am still taking your previous advice on my last post and working on my vitamin D and folate, continuing with my Levo at 100 mg and will retest in a few weeks when I have been on the Accord brand for eight weeks. I just felt exhausted with it all today and was questioning what was going on in my body. I do feel a bit better in terms of my digestion since cutting out the gluten but obviously the sweating is unbearable at times and my weight in still going up despite efforts on my part to increase my exercise levels and watch what I eat. Thank you for explaining about my conversion of T4 to T3 as I wasn’t too sure whether it would be considered low or not, very interested in the link to the adrenals as my mum didn’t have Thyroid problems (at least as far as I know ) but she did have Addisons. Following your reply I’ve read a bit more and I think I definitely need to look into this further once I have my next results back. Thank you again. K

Katyf1 profile image
Katyf1 in reply to Jaydee1507

Thank you for your reply. I am not going to stop my Levo although couldn’t helped wondering if it was making matters worse but I will continue to work on my vitamin D and folate levels and retest in a few weeks and take it from there / go to see an endocrinologist privately again to discuss my results as my GP practice is very dismissive.

HealthStarDust profile image
HealthStarDust

I think the only safe thing can do is come off for few days to see if it improves, and titrate up more slowly. Sometimes a large increases causes more problems in the short term for some from what I gather.

Katyf1 profile image
Katyf1 in reply to HealthStarDust

I was on 50mg for 7 years and was still sweating a lot but not quite as bad as I am now. Thanks for your reply.

Lala1705 profile image
Lala1705

Hi Katy, sorry not knowledgeable enough to give much advice, except to say I had the same problem for years when first went on levo, but had to go on 150mcg dose which I think was a bit of a shock to the system at the time. Strangely, the nearer I got to menopause ( we're the same age', the more the sweats reduced. I did add in T3 3 years ago just to see if felt any better, I did, and come to think of it, the slightly excess sweating I had by then, has all but gone since then. I still get hotter than other people in winter ,when most are bundled up I'm fine in a t shirt, and am outdoors all day in deepest winter, so that's the only remnant. I did find an antiperspirant like Mitchum helped, even used it on my face, facial sweating was the worst.

Katyf1 profile image
Katyf1 in reply to Lala1705

Ah thank you so much for sharing this with me it gives me hope that I can sort it out. The embarrassing thing is my head and face it literally runs down when I get a hot flash but it’s been happening since before menopause and I am on HRT so it’s definitely Thyroid related

Bearo profile image
Bearo in reply to Katyf1

I had terrible head sweating which started with menopause and taking Tamoxifen for breast cancer but improved, I think, when I raised my vitamin D which had been ‘on the floor,’

Katyf1 profile image
Katyf1 in reply to Bearo

Oh that’s interesting! I am taking supplements so hopefully that will help soon. Thanks for your reply.

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Katyf1 profile image
Katyf1 in reply to tattybogle

I have already signed it but thank you for flagging it

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