I am wondering if anyone can tell me when I am likely to get some energy back following a drop in Thyroxine. I had been on 125mcg eighteen months ago, was dropped to 100mcg a year ago, down to 75mcg seven weeks ago and now down to 50mcg as of last week. My TSH is way below where it should be and my Thyroid level is still at the top of the normal range. I have no energy, I'm feeling cold and alos feeling a bit down...very unlike me because I'm a positive person normally. I know that mine is autoimmune, coupled with RA, Chron's and Alopeica.
I do understand where the GP is coming from so I'm not arguing about the drop, just would like some idea as to how long it might be before things settle down and I start to feel a bit better. It will be re-tested in six weeks.
Thank you in advance for any replies. Knip.
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Knip
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This sounds to me like your GP is just going off a TSH result.
Have they also looked at your free hormone results FT4 & FT3? If these are normal then you are not taking too much hormone. TSH can be a very bad guide.
Do you have a copy of your latest blood results that you can share with us? You are legally entitled to a printed copy of your results, ask at GP reception. In England you can get the NHS app and ask for permission to see your blood results on that by asking at GP’s reception.
When are you taking your blood tests? Highest TSH is at 9am or earlier.
Recommended blood test protocol: Test at 9am (or as close as possible), fasting, last levo dose 24hrs before the blood draw & no biotin containing supplements for 3-7 days (Biotin can interfere with thyroid blood results as it is used in the testing process)?
Testing like this gives consistency in your results and will show stable blood levels of hormone and highest TSH which varies throughout the day. Taking Levo/T3 just prior to blood draw can show a falsely elevated result and your GP/Endo might change your dose incorrectly as a result.
Low vitamin levls sometimes affect TSH result.
When hypo we get low stomach acid which means we cannot absorb vitamins well from our food, regardless of a great diet. For thyroid hormone to work well we need OPTIMAL levels of vitamins. Have you recently or could you ask your GP to test levels of ferritin, folate, B12 & D3? Private tests are available, see link for companies offering private blood tests & discount codes, some offer a blood draw service at an extra cost.thyroiduk.org/testing/priva...
There is also a new company offering walk in& mail order blood tests in London, Kent, Sussex & Surrey areas. Check to see if there is a blood test company near you. onedaytests.com/products/ul...
Only do private tests on a Monday or Tuesday to avoid postal delays.
As you have autoimmune thyroiditis, your high Frees and low TSH probably have more to do with a Hashi's 'hyper' swing than your dose of levo. I hope your doctor is prepared to put the dose back up when the levels go right down again. Which they will, eventually. But no way to tell how long that will take, I'm afraid.
I hope so, too, Greygoose. I feel so sluggish at present. Are Hashi swings common? I've been on Thyroxine for over 20yrs and haven't felt like this since the very beginning of treatment. Thank you, Knip.
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