Should I increase my dose of Levo?

[Pasionaria]

My potted history is in my profile. My current predicament is that after 7 months of feeling awful, on 5th July I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism (I could have told them earlier myself!), given Levothyroxine by the endocrinologist (50 micrograms per day), who said would test me again in two months. The first two weeks I was totally knackered, but I understood that it would take time for the tablets to kick in, so I persevered. Then on day 14 I suddenly felt like myself again! It was wonderful for 13 days, and on day 14, yesterday, I started feeling tired and brainfogged again and today it is worse. My resting heart rate has faithfully followed all these up and downs, pretty low when unwell, higher (for me) when feeling well, and now on the way down again.

I think I should increase by 25 to 75tomorrow, as advised by NICE-BNF and then tell either my GP (who is prescribing) or my consultant (who initiated and will follow up) or both. I can just cut my 50 tabs in half. I am aware of all the stuff about ensuring good absortion (caffeine, calcium, etc.)

My initial idea was to ask one or the other, but what is the point? Just more waiting around and getting stressed. What do you think? These were my bloods in July:

TSH: 21.5 (0.3-4.2)

T4: 8.2 (12-22)

T3: 2.9 (3.1-6.8)

Vit D 79

B12 795 (197-711)

Folate 8.2 (2.9-26.8)

[SovietSong]

You are due your next bloods at start of September?Four weeks is unlikely to be long enough for dose to settle although I know myself it’s frustrating to feel well for a bit and then have the hypo symptoms creep back in.You will definitely be ready for 75mcg and you will probably be a few increases off your optimal dose judging by your frees in July(neither of them within the range and TSH way too high at 21)

[GlowCoach Administrator]

The early days of treatment can be quite rough being hypo. If you raise your own dose without doctors consent or advice then they arent likely to be happy.

That, plus your body has taken time to get this bad and in turn it will take time to recover even now you have more thyroid hormone.

Best not to rush getting your thyroid replacement right. Its the tortoise that wins the race usually.

You've only been taking Levo for 2 weeks and it takes 6-8 weeks for blood levels to stabilise on any constant dose, so retest at same dose in 4-6 weeks and then have an increase.

Its very normal to feel better then worse when beginning Levo and with dose increases. It probably does mean you need more and 50mcgs Levo is only a starter dose but dont jump the gun.

Are you taking any supplements yet?

Your folate is on the low side and not optimal. Aim for a level of 20. A B complex would help keep all your B's in balance.

B complex suggestions: Slightly cheaper options with inactive B6:

amazon.co.uk/Liposomal-Soft...

Contains B6 as P5P an active form:

bigvits.co.uk/thorne-resear...

healf.com/products/basic-b-...

Explanation about the different forms of B6:

helvella.blogspot.com/p/hel...

B complex comparison spreadsheet:

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

[Thyb in reply to GlowCoach]

The Pink Tribe Liposomal B Complex have the wrong form of B6 'Pyridoxine hydrochloride', the Thorne Basic B Complex have the Correct form P5P xx

[Hidden]

Your results are terrible. You need at least 5.2 T3, no wonder you're not feeling well. T4 often doesn't convert to T3, which causes poisoning of the body. You need to take small amounts of T3 during the day. I take 6.25 mcg of T3 every three hours with food to slow down absorption. And T4/T3 at bedtime. T4 increases gradually to see how well it's tolerated. As for T3, never take more than you need.

[Pasionaria]

Thanks for your replies! You were right to advise patience, the next day I felt better again.😀

[Regenallotment Ambassador in reply to Pasionaria]

Funny how it goes like that👏 glad you had a better day. 🌱