thyroid levels & testing - can anyone explain them to me please?

flissh

I agree with avoiding the kelp. As for when to take levothyroxine, when you first wake with plenty of water and about twenty -thirty minutes before food is optimum. (says on the instruction leaflet that comes with the drug!)

EagerLearner

Hi guys thanks for the answers, flissh yes that's how I have been taking it, there was only one morning when I forgot...

Also for general info, I believe my TSH level had jumped from 6 (around 4 months ago), to 11 this time, hence he started me on the 50mg dose. I do think stress has affected it, so part of me wonders if I would need the LT if things calmed down, or I made a conscious lifestyle choice to change things, but I guess the thyroid is only going to need more help in time, so I might as well have a 'helper', as well as leading a calmer life if possible.

Wow Wolfsong I even mentioned to my doctor as I he was writing out my paperwork for the levothyroxine that I was taking kelp, you would think the first thing he'd say is 'well you can stop taking that now', just to be sure. As it happens, I have not taken it, it makes sense not to, but others might...

So I guess no more lovely seaweedy dishes in Yo Sushi then either?
And Poppy, sounds like I will have to experiment, sameway you have, as to what I will be able to drink from now on.
I do like a glass of red wine, but seems 2 small glasses gives me too much trouble now, and it's only been 12 days since I have taken LT.
I might reduce it to 1, with even more water than I would usually have, to be sure.

Before, I was drinking 1.5 litres of water a day (I work for a bottled water company), looks like I prob need 2 litres now to compensate for the LT.
I am guessing the reason is that the metabolism is working faster and therefore needs more water to flush things through?

Reactions once on Levothyroxine

Just wondered what everyones thoughts were - for me in 12 days this is how I have felt:

- Unable to drink as much alcohol
- Slightly 'buzzy' one or two days out of the 12
- Going to the loo 5 or 6 times before lunch has even hit, as I'm drinking more water
- Dry mouth especially in the morning, will drink even more water to help this
- Have cut out caffeine and reduced sugars inc honey, to see if this helps too

WolfSong2000

Interesting to read what you guys have been saying about not being able to drink as much on levothyroxine...I hardly ever drink anyhow, but can't say I've noticed a difference when I do...

EagerLearner

Hi Wolfsong I will test it out again no doubt, I think what it is, is that you need to drink so much more water than even the recommended 8 glasses a day. This is just to be able to take LT as normal. Probably 12 glasses or so.

Then, if you are drinking, you might need to compensate with say another 4 glasses...
I have read on Google of some people getting less of a hangover on LT, wow, that would be great!

cassieannie

I would like to thank you for the link to the website. I have had an under active thyroid for 3 years now, and still cannot get to grips with it at all !!