How long after increasing levo from 75 to 100 do symptoms settle

[Andypandy30]

How long after increasing levothyroxine from 75 to 100 do symptoms settle .I had been very low and started the higher dose last week .I was feeling very anxious and losing hair and had dry skin prior to the increase .but after a week I still feel very anxious and shaky on and off .do I continue with increase ? I had been happily on 100 for years before doctors messed me about and feel I should never have decreased dose

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Which brand of Levo were you taking for 75mcg

Which brand are you taking for 100mcg

What were most recent vitamin D, folate, B12 and ferritin results

Being on inadequate dose Levo will frequently result in lower vitamin levels

What vitamin supplements are you taking

What were thyroid results at last test

[Andypandy30 in reply to SlowDragon]

I always stick to same brand . I take weekly b12injections folate and vitamin D better you daily and always supplement with iron when needed .I do feel it is thyroid related due to the very dry skin and losing hair .I haven't got a copy of my last bloods at the moment but do know I was reluctant to change anything as I had no symptoms but had other stresses in my life at that time and agreed as doctor persisted .I have started to take 100 mcg again as I had been on them for 10 years with no problems

[DippyDame in reply to Andypandy30]

If you feel well on 100mcg don't change your dose. The GP is likely going by TSH which science shows is not a reliable marker. That insistence is causing problems for many people!For an accurate evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 which is why many of us test privately.

Also...ou are legally entitled to request a copy of results from surgery... post them if you wish advice/ comment

Are you now improving on 100mcg, if so you have the proof you need!

You know your body better than anyone else and lab.numbers, though important, are only part of the story.

Hope you recover soon

[Andypandy30 in reply to DippyDame]

Thank you for saying that .I argued with him at the time that i.didn't want to change as I felt well.my last bloods showed TSH 0.05 and T4 18.7 ...I have only just started the increase and still feel the nervous feeling and not myself at all but it's only been a few days .I am hoping these symptoms if hypo will resolve .

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Andypandy30]

Alwaysctest early morning, ideally before 9am, only drinking water between waking and test and last dose Levo 24 hours before test

Ft4 - need range …assuming range is 12-22 and tested as outlined, this was well within range

Never agree to dose reduction without getting FULL Thyroid including Ft3 and all four vitamins tested and maintained at optimal levels

If GP says " I have to reduce your dose because the guidelines say i can't let you have a below range TSH" .....

The first paragraph in the NICE (NHS) Thyroid Disease, Assessment and Management guidelines says :

nice.org.uk/guidance/ng145

"Your responsibility

The recommendations in this guideline represent the view of NICE, arrived at after careful consideration of the evidence available. When exercising their judgement, professionals and practitioners are expected to take this guideline fully into account, alongside the individual needs, preferences and values of their patients or the people using their service. It is not mandatory to apply the recommendations, and the guideline does not override the responsibility to make decisions appropriate to the circumstances of the individual, in consultation with them and their families and carers or guardian. "

[Jingley]

Why oh why can't doctors stop meddling. I had a similar experience to you. I was happily flying under the radar so to speak as the senior partner at my GP's knew what they were doing. They left and a very junior doctor flagged up my low TSH. My Levo was reduced twice, down from 100, and I felt like hell with lots of returning symptoms. I've had to fight and argue to be reinstated on 100 but I now have other things going on which I'm convinced are related my FT4 and FT3 going up and down like a yo-yo and my body not knowing whether it's coming or going.

Hang in there. It will get better.

[Andypandy30 in reply to Jingley]

Oh it helps to know I am not alone with this .Did you get to stay on the 100 and what symptoms did you have when low .do I keep going and will it settle

[Jingley in reply to Andypandy30]

I was on 100 for years until this time last year when they started messing me around. I've been back on 100 since early May this year and now my current GP has written on my records that I take responsibility for my low TSH and any subsequent issues that may come from this (whatever that means - probably GP speak for I don't really know what I'm doing so I'll let the patient decide what's best for them)Symptoms included --being freezing cold, especially hands feet and nose. Constipation. Hair loss. Not sleeping properly. Taking ages to drop off to sleep. Weight gain. Dry skin. Back ache. Irritable and short tempered. Feeling really down but not depressed.

Now I'm warmer, hair loss minimal, sleep much improved, happier. The weight is a work in progress 🙄

You've only been back on your original dose for a short time so try to be patient. 🤗

[Stanleydoggy]

Hi I am guessing 5 - 7 days would be when you'd start to feel a difference as that's the half life of levothyroxine, however, I think if your symptoms have been making you anxious it may take a little longer. I'd go back to your GP if you are worried because they may feel you need some tests. I stuffer from anxiety so totally appreciate how you must be feeling.