Hello, I have been battling to get a levothyroxine prescription for weeks and after getting Hashimotos diagnosis. My latest results are from 24th November:
T4 12.7 (12-22)
TSH 4.18 (0.27 - 4.20)
I have been taking half of a 25mcg levothyroxine since 29th October until 27th November (4 weeks) as I had a packet of them left over from June when I was last taking Levo and knew I would run out before getting another prescription so thought it was better to take small dose than none and try to make them last.
I got a new prescription so started on 25mcgs on 28th November until now (2 weeks). I have terrible symptoms and feel I have been undermedicated for so long and was wondering if it would be possible to up my dose to 50mcgs?
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jenny876
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A rough guide is 1.6 per kilo so you'll likely find your optimal dose somewhere between 75-100 it rather depends how well you absorb and convert... increase (no more than 25mcg) and test every 6-8 weeks and as you get closer to your optimal dose make smaller increases as you don't want to over shoot 🤗
Thank you so much - ive been feeling so depressed and get no help from GP/endo whihc makes me feel so alone but this forum and very helpful people like you are such a comfort and a wealth of knowledge - thank you!
your Ft4 is far, far too low because you are on inadequate dose Levo
Aiming for Ft4 ( levothyroxine) at least 70% through range
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)
If sensitive to changes in dose …..Increase to 25mcg and 50mcg on alternate days initially …..then after 4-6 weeks increase to 50mcg daily
Retest in 6-8 weeks after that
As TiggerMe says….you’re likely to eventually be on something between 75mcg and 100mcg daily
Which brand of levothyroxine are you currently taking
Im taking Teva which I initially thought didnt agree with me but am finding it okay. Alternate dosing of 25mcgs one day and 50mcgs the next is a great idea because I dont see my endo until 10th January so that will mean I wont run out of tablets before I see them.
I havent had my vitamin levels checked again but will do this in January - have been taking Vit b12, iron and Vit D. Strictly Gluten free and 2 coeliac tests showed negative. thank you
Rather than just B12, add in a separate vitamin B complex as well
With serum B12 result below 500, (Or active B12 below 70) recommended to be taking a separate B12 supplement and a week later add a separate vitamin B Complex
Then once your serum B12 is over 500 (or Active B12 level has reached 70), you may be able to reduce then stop the B12 and just carry on with the B Complex.
If Vegetarian or vegan likely to need ongoing separate B12 few times a week
Igennus B complex popular option too. Nice small tablets. Most people only find they need one per day. But a few people find it’s not high enough dose
IMPORTANT......If you are taking vitamin B complex, or any supplements containing biotin, remember to stop these 7 days before ALL BLOOD TESTS , as biotin can falsely affect test results
In week before blood test, when you stop vitamin B complex, you might want to consider taking a separate folate supplement (eg Jarrow methyl folate 400mcg) and continue separate B12
Post discussing how biotin can affect test results
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BP and HR on Dose Increase
the effects of a dose increase?
Ever increasing dose of Levothyroxine
