Kidney & leg pain following an increase in levothyroxine

[Happy2828]

Hi everyone,

Has anyone else experienced pain in one side of the body after increasing levothyroxine dose?

I have been experiencing terrible pain in the whole body, but more on left side of the body, and more intensely in left lower abdominal which I guess is my kidney and whole left leg! And also significant pain in left chest and shoulder too.

It’s been 6 weeks since I increased the levothyroxine dose from 50mg to 75mg, and since 3 weeks ago I have been experiencing pain. However, I have been feeling sharp and clear mentally.

I am not sure if I should wait to see if the symptoms relieve or I should go back to lower dose and feeling not so well mentally.

I should say I have increased level of several rheumatoid factors and anti phospholipid antibodies positive, but the rheumatologist refuse to diagnose APS syndrome.

I would be immensely grateful to have your opinions. It is always helpful and makes a difference.

Thank you

[Jaydee1507 Administrator]

What were your most recent thyroid results?

50mcgs is a low dose of Levo and if you've been on that a while then these may just be settling in symptoms. Worth getting checked out though.

Have you had your vitamins tested and what were the results?

What do you supplement with?

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.

Do you know if you had positive thyroid antibodies? Many with autoimmune thyroid disease aka Hashimoto's benefit from a gluten free diet. A smaller percentage of those also need to remove dairy from their diet to feel well. These are intolerances and will not show up on any blood test.

[am111]

A higher dose of Levo puts a higher demand for many vitamins, particularly B12. Pain in one side of the body indicates some problem with the spinal cord, and this could happen due to B12 deficiency or other B-vitamin deficiency induced by the higher Levo. This will settle, so hang in there, as the body adjusts. You can take a B-complex supplement with a good B12 amount (at least 500-1000mcg) or a few shots to get your B12 higher. I would not recommend lowering the Levo dose now, as your body would have almost adjusted now to the higher one and you probably need the higher dose anyway long-term.

[Happy2828 in reply to am111]

Thank you🙏

[adin]

Hi, maybe it would be useful to try an intermediate dose(let's say 63mcg)...