I’m wondering if anyone else changes there levo dosage in the summer, I’ve just reduced mine by a third, from75 to 50 mcg. A blood test, a few months ago now, showed me right at the top of scale for T4 and TSH, I’m usually mid range on my meds. And in recent weeks I was sleeping 5 or 6 hours a night and I’m usually a good 7 to 8hours, and also noticed awareness of heartbeat, so I decided the levels must be too high and I dropped the dose a few days ago and straight away noticed difference in my nights sleep, so just wondering if anyone else out there does the same, and notices such an immediate difference.
(I’ve been on steady75mcg for 20 ish years and this is third year I’ve noticed the seasonal changes)
Thanks
Written by
Plasterplate
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
A blood test, a few months ago now, showed me right at the top of scale for T4 and TSH
I can’t see anywhere that you’ve provided reference ranges. Without those, opinions can’t be offered
Having said that, I’m not qualified to give an opinion other than if the range you have is the usual sort then your TSH was low, not high and your FT4 was moderate, not high, although I do appreciate FT4 may currently be running higher
I’m wondering if anyone else changes there levo dosage in the summer
Many of us do but I don’t usually notice an immediate difference, it takes about 3 days for me to feel an effect and another couple of weeks to feel the full effect, at which point I’ll know if I’ve reduced enough or too much
Having read a post or reply you have made, I wonder if you realise that you can edit (or delete) any posts or responses you have made here. That means the title, the text or images.
This is not to say you have done anything wrong. This is meant to help you by pointing out this option, and help to do so, not to criticise.
There is no need to reply to this! If it was helpful, ticking the "Like" button lets me know.
BEFORE reducing dose …..especially looking at your age
Essential to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12
Lower vitamin levels more common as we get older
For good conversion of Ft4 (levothyroxine) to Ft3 (active hormone) we must maintain GOOD vitamin levels
What vitamin supplements are you taking
Also VERY important to test TSH, Ft4 and Ft3 together
What is reason for your hypothyroidism
Autoimmune?
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)
T3 ….day before test split T3 as 2 or 3 smaller doses spread through the day, with last dose approximately 8-12 hours before test
Private tests are available as NHS currently rarely tests Ft3 or all relevant vitamins
Medichecks and BH also offer private blood draw at clinic near you, or private nurse to your own home…..for an extra fee
If, after testing and all vitamins at GOOD levels…..if Ft4 and Ft3 are too high…..initially reducing from 75mcg to 50mcg 2 days a week (a reduction of 50mcg PER WEEK) would perhaps be more suitable
Sometimes by 10 mcg or 5 mcg - which is really easy as I said because its liquid ! If you have reduced by an amount more than that and you feel OK and cooler then fine - but it might be a few days before you realise perhaps you have reduced too much but you can increase again. I can always see in my face when I need more !
I can use a pill cutter, luckily my dose is divided into to 50mcg and 25 mcg tabs, so doable, and I will also implement slowdragon’s suggestion to reduce weekly. I was obviously doing way to higher reduction.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Levothyroxine manufacturer change
Levothyroxine dose change
Change of levothyroxine suppliers
Changing from NDT to Levothyroxine
Change of brand of Levothyroxine tablets
