Hot Sweats/Flushes

[Devonlad]

Following my push to try and increase my FT3 levels (see my post of a few weeks ago) 3 weeks ago my consultant suggested I increase my Levo from 125mcg to 137.5 mcg for 2 months as he thought this might increase my T3, he had my graphs showing my FT3 was then at 15%.

2 weeks into the increase, which was a week ago, I started having hot flushes/sweats at 3 or 4 am - about 2 hours after my Levo dose which I take whenever I wake to go for a pee. These hot sweats last about 10-20 minutes and after about an hour I cool down and get back under the duvet. On Monday I immediately told the consultant by email that I was reverting back and he replied asking for an immediate blood test (Monday mid morning) which I just managed to get at my surgery.

Unfortunately I had no time to go with the recommended TUK protocol which I normally do. These are the results of Monday's test taken at 1030am, levo at 0200am, biotin not suppressed.

TSH 0.70% through range, FT4 109% through range, FT3 30% through range.

My consultant 'doesn't know what to make of these results...' For reference results from 17th Nov are as follows, taken with the TUK protocols. Regarding putting me on T3 he says "strongly discourage that" in a letter to my GP.

TSH 3.7% FT4 92% FT3 15%

I do have a number of other issues which could all be related to the thyroid meds. Low energy levels, intermittent aching below left chest area for example.

My question is are these hot sweats related to the increased dose of Levo and are there any dangers of say stopping levo for a couple of days in order to bring my levels down? Or does anyone have any suggestions to try and resolve this.

Until I get a private endo appointment which I'm actively pursuing I'm thinking of taking 125mcg levo and 112.5 mcg on alternate days. Christmas hasn't helped at all as we're away for 2 weeks on Friday on a ship.

[TiggerMe Ambassador]

I don't understand your consultants confusion, you are not converting the T4 to fT3 well as your bloods clearly show... he understood well enough that your fT3 needed raising as that was his reason for increasing your T4?

Yes a slight reduction in T4 is a good idea as excess does you no good and have a lovely holiday 🤗deal with this nonsense in the new year

[Devonlad in reply to TiggerMe]

Thanks Eeyore100. I will reduce my levo, and might even change the time I take it to avoid the night sweating.

There's also the thought that too little TSH is not a good idea for the heart, brain and osteoporosis, and having less T4 might help to raise the level of TSH (I think I'm right in saying that!). Mine seems to be bouncing along the bottom of the range.

Have a great Christmas and healthy New Year. I am truly grateful to all you regulars on this forum for the help and guidance you give.

[TiggerMe Ambassador in reply to Devonlad]

The bunkum they spout about low TSH being an issue is nonsense, but putting too much T4 into your system does cause issues over time... when you get back and hopefully get started on T3 your TSH will still drag along the bottom (like mine 😉 but you'll feel a whole lot better)

All your vits and mins were in a good place last time so you are doing your bit 🤗

Bon voyage 🛳️

[SlowDragon Administrator]

personally I would stick on higher dose see if it improves low Ft3

Try splitting the dose

Taking half at bedtime and half waking

What vitamin supplements are you taking

Previous post 9 months ago showed B12 could be higher

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

[Devonlad in reply to SlowDragon]

Thanks SlowDragon, my B12 in June this year was 550 ie. 95.50% thru range, I'm taking 4000 IUs of Vit D, 100mg of Vit K2 and Thornes Vit B complex. Interesting idea to split the doses, I'll have a think about that.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Devonlad]

Lots of members split dose, especially when increasing dose