Have been taking levo for over two years now, have been taking 112.5mcg for over a year, skin has gone back to being really dry, am feeling tired all the time still, have lots of spots, which i have never had in my life, have numb toes and on occasions fingers. TSH level is fine but dont feel fine.
What should I do??
oh and still cant shift this weight!!!
Hi
Have you had your vitamin/mineral levels tested? as these tend to be low for us too, Irons folate, ferratin, B12 and Vit D for starters. If you get your blood test results and post them here maybe others can help. There are alternatives to Levo, unfortunately that's the usual stuff prescribed. Best wishes Jane 
no, not had any of those levels checked. I will go to see GP after Christmas and get this sorted, Thank you Jane
I had numb toes and fingers but since getting my B12 up this has improved. B12 deficiency can cause neurological problems as well as the symptoms you are experiencing. It would be wise to get all the blood test Jane recommended above as any of the above deficiencies could be hindering your body's ability to use thyroxine.
Do you have your latest thyroid blood test results? Sometimes it can just be that you need a slight increase in levo.
Carolyn x
I had my levels checked just recently and they were fine, on the low side of the range but fine, I was prescribed 150mcg but couldnt sleep and 100mcg wasnt enough so I split the difference and went for 112.5mcg, told GP about it after, I will get my vit levels checked after Christmas, thank you Carolyn
Just checking that you take your levo with water only, at least an hour before food and not with any supplements?
Also, do you always get the same make, which make are you on? This can make a big difference to some people.
Louise
xx
The only make on the packet is Actavis, otherwise it just says levothyroxine, they are the same make every time, i usually take with coffee, and usually have something to eat fairly straight after, as I dont get time to have any at work. Maybe i should have my meds as soon as I get up before I shower? Thank you Louise
Louise,
It is advised not to take Levothyroxine with food and only with water. Yes it's a good idea to take it with a full glass of water on waking and leave about 45 mins before you have anything.
However, I have found that by slipping the pill under my tongue (you could crunch it up with your front teeth or break into pieces first) and let it dissolve works well with mine. If you do this you don't have to worry about when or what you eat/drink.
I also noted when I did this that my temperature improved almost immediately, (low temperature is something people who are Hypo suffer with and I take mine regularly) and has remained higher throughout, so I must be absorbing it better.
As well as the Iron, VitB12 and D you should ask for your FT3 and FT4 levels to be checked. The TSH test is for diagnosis of hypopituitary, NOT to diagnose or dose your hypothyroidism. If you allow a doctor to diagnose or dose you by this lab test and range, you’ll still be hypothyroid. (Quoted from STTM)
You may not be converting T4 into T3, so could need T3 supplementation also, the FT3&4 will tell you about this. When you get your results, DON'T just let the Dr tell you all is fine, ask for the results and the ranges and post them on here.
There is a world of difference between being fine, normal and in range, compared to being optimal which is what you need to be.
Good luck x
I should add that you shouldn't take iron/calcium/estrogen with your Thyroid medication.
Dannia, I thought you weren't supposed to take synthetic levo sublingually, that's what I've always been told. It needs stomach acid to digest it and release the hormone.
Smartassbraud, it could also be your adrenals, if you've been struggling for a while. Maybe you could get them tested?
And have you tried taking your levo at night, a couple of hours after eating?
All the best, Grey
Hiya Grey
I have to say I've never heard that about stomach acid, I can only go by how I feel and also how my temps have improved since taking it that way.
Up until the time I took it that way, my highest daily temp was 98.1 (36.7)and lowest 96.8 (36.0). The day after I took it like that my temps were a high of 98.6 (37.0) and lowest 97.5 (36.4). My basal has also improved dramatically.
I know of a few others who do it sublingually and say it's better for them that way.
The only time my temps changed was when I added T3, and they dropped, but I've changed to taking T3 at night now and they've gone back up again.
Yes you're right Grey, it could also be adrenals, I forgot about them 
I did take my levo at night and it stopped me sleeping so well so changed it back, but for some I know it works better.
The best bet is to try things and see what works better for you you as we're all different.
Hi Grey
I thought it was best to take in the mornings?
Alison
I felt better taking it at night too. Some doctors actually recommend this too and there has been a study that suggests that it is absorbed better at night and the conversion to T3 may be better too. I slept better taking it at night too and felt more alert in the mornings.
I think morning is often suggested because you are supposed to take it on an empty stomach. This is easy as soon as you get up but not so easy later in the day. However, as long as you leave at least 2 hours after eating before you take you should be fine
Carolyn x
The only other medication I take is epilim, for my epilepsy, but that is after food!
Alison
I take epilim too. I used to take that after my evening meal and then take my levo right before bed (about 3 hours after eating). This seemed to work ok for me.
Carolyn x
The coffee could be making a big difference to how much levo you are absorbing.
Just a pointer, if you want to reply to someone in particular, you have to make sure to click on 'reply to this' otherwise they will not get an email letting them know that you have responded.
Louise
x x
It might make a difference if you take Thyroxine at night and not in the morning which is what I do it gives the Thyroxine more chance to get into your system said my doctor for when you wake. I still get a lot of fatigue and am going to ask the doctor to check my adrenals I've had thyroid problems for years and it could be it's affected them.
Thank you Jan W I will try one step at a time, and see what happens and then try other things, thanks for your advice
Alison
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