Just started Levothyroxine

I have been on levo for 2 years now and my muscles and joint are still killing me I'm still under consultant they giving me a MOT so good luck

Hi Michacha,

Unless you're having a very bad reaction to the things that are mixed in with the Levothyroxine, I would try to stick with it. Levo can take a bit to get into your system at a therapeutic level. It took me at least 2 weeks to notice any changes, and those were more mental than physical. Physical changes took longer and,that said, there were a few rough patches along the way. I had issues with sleep etc. if you need to though, please speak to your GP!

Hi michacha,

I'm sorry you are feeling rough.

It's difficult to comment whithout specific details - it would help if you could post the results of your blood work and the range that is printed next it. Also what dose of levothyroxine are you on? (Apparently it's recommended to be 1.7mcg per kg of body weight).

It's a good idea to learn as much as you can before your next visit to the doctor, that way you can start being a participant in your care instead of just a recipient. Another thing is that doctors should, but don't, check adrenal glands before starting you on thyroxine, so read up on that. I'll try and private message (aka PM) you some good articles to read - I'm using my phone to reply, so not easy to do. Starting dose is usually low then increased (though 24 years ago I was put on 200mcg, normal dose for me now is 100-125mcg! Even then the sdvice was to stwrt on 25-50mcg). You could go back to your doctor and tell them your symptoms and ask if they think it would help to start on, say 25mcg, and increase it by 25 every 3-4 days. Ask what they would advise.

Dear Michacha:

Hello, My name is Shelly and I am an RN-Nurse and I live in the USA and have Hashimoto's thyroid disease.  When you take Levo the doctor normally starts you at a low dose and waits for a while to see how you do, and then they up it a little at a time.

It takes the body 6-8 weeks to adjust to the med and for symptoms to subside.  You may also need a good Multi-vitamin as you need the minerals in the body to be correct so the Levo will work properly.  So sadly it takes a bit of time for the body to adjust and build a proper level.  It just is not that quickly fixed and the body has to learn how to use the replacement hormone.

Also if your Vitamin D level is low you will have muscle aches also.  So take a multi-vitamin with food or meal, and that may help you also. 

If you feel the Levo is too strong, you can take about half a pil (break it in half or get a pill cutter), in a.m. and then take half of it about 6 hours later.  If it continues to bother you, call your GP or Endo and report the problems.  They do have other thyroid pills and some people can't take Levo. 

The med is not timed released and some of us can't handle a big dose.  If you need to try half of it, then get used to that, then get it back up to the dosage you need.  You can try it and see if it helps.

Be well, feel free to ask any questions you have.  Shelly

I am on 300mg of Levothyroxine. I was diagnosed recently because I have always been on the go, go, go and I was so tired and falling asleep everywhere! I am not used to being so fatigued. Yes, I'm always tired but I just ignore it but this is knocked me on my butt! I took 2 days off work because of it so far and can't seem to get myself out of bed and when I do I get so tired so quickly. 

Thank you for the encouragement, I'll give it a few days and contact me Dr again. 

So glad to be part of this discussion. I have been on the drug for about a year.. only 50m.My blood work says I am now in range but I still have the symptoms that you are all ttalking about.  fatique, aches, loss of hair and gaining weight unexplainably.

Ilook forward to reading all the replies.

Thank you!

After being on my meds for almost 2 weeks I am feeling so much better. My muscles are no longer throbbing in pain and my fatigue is slowly going away. :D Christmas Miracle.