Abnormally low thyroid results now experiencing dry skin.

[Autumn8]

Hi, I've really appreciated this platform and the advice given. I am currently on 50mcg levo. Take good level of multivitamins etc. Endo says dosage for levo is low for my body composition. I am currently awaiting full blood panel results. Prior to blood test I had to pause progesterone for 10 days. I have been experiencing exceptionally dry skin, flaking. Skin is like sandpaper and feel very uncomfortable. Showers and creams sooth and nourish the skin for minimal few hours only. Can anyone shed light as to why this is happening? Is this normal? Remedy? TIA

[SlowDragon Administrator]

50mcg is only the standard STARTER dose

How long have you been on just 50mcg

Levo doesn’t “top up” failing thyroid……it replaces it

Typically dose is increased slowly upwards in 25mcg steps ….retesting 2-3 months after each increase….until eventually on approximately 1.6mcg Levo per kilo of your weight per day

Some people need a bit less…..some a bit more

ESSENTIAL to test Ft4 and Ft3

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)

Aiming for Ft4 (Levo dose) approx 60-70% through range and, ideally Ft3 will be similar

Important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 at least annually and maintain GOOD levels by supplements if necessary

Multivitamins never recommended on here. Most contain iodine, not recommended. And don’t supplement iron unless tested and in need

Previously you were on NDT …..this suppressed TSH

It can take long time for TSH to respond/recover

Why TSH is sluggish - mechanism called 'Hysteresis'.

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu....

starts at the end of the first reply from Tattybogle : " To understand why TSH stays suppressed for a long time after an episode of hyperthyroidism/ overmedication, (or ANY T3 use) has finished... "

and is continued in detail much further down in another reply from me : " CONTINUED HYSTERESIS ~ Why TSH remains lower for quite along while following episodes of hyperthyroidism / overmedication .... (or any T3 use) , it is due (at least partly) to a mechanism called 'Hysteresis'.

Please add last blood test results

Is you hypothyroidism autoimmune

Have you had TPO or TG thyroid antibodies tested