Hypo&Hashi trying to increase the dosage of Levo but severe headache as a side-effect

Hormones
1

Hi guys, I'm 36yo and have been hypo&Hashi for almost a year. Started with 25mcg Euthyrox (Levothyroxine) and lowered my TSH from 7.8 to 3.2 (optimal is 0.4-4.4 in my country).

Most of my problems went away, but started to feel bad again last month. I've sensed someting went wrong, and my latest bloodwork said TSH was 4.6

So, since I'm trying really hard to stay pregnant, my doctors want me on higher dosage and want to put me on 50mcg. But I wanted to go slow. And we agreed to proceed with 37.5 for a few weeks. And then - really bad things started to happen.

After 3 days on 37.5 my left eye started to hurt really bad, then my whole head. I tried not to think so much about what was happening, but those headaches became worce and worce with every new day. Now I don't know what to do. We have just 2 brand name Levos here and no naturals but also no T3 suppstitution at all. Our endos only do TSH and fT4 bloodwork since there is only one option - T4.

Ok, any suggestions? I must say I'm sick scared and at the moment can't see how this can end good for me since my options are - almost nonexistent. Please if any of you have any idea, feel free to write it down here.

I know I could maybe take my new dosage in the evening or before bed and sleep trough the side-effects. But those are getting worce every day. My head hurts more and longer every day.

Maybe split the dose in two and take it twice a day?

Or?... try and get naturals and dose it for myself since no one here knows how to dosage naturals?

Would appriciate any help I can get. I can live with my simptoms and I learned to tolerate so much already. But those splitting headaches and eye pain are becoming unbearable. Can't go trough the day without Ibuprofen anymore.

Thanks people in advanced.

2

Hello Zana:

My name is Shelly and I am an RN Nurse in the USA.  I have Hashimoto's thyroid disease since 1987. I am 55.

Headaches can come from certain medical conditions, changes in hormones, Diabetes, adrenal issues, high blood pressure and being Hypothyroid.

You can take your Levo in 2 separate doses like 1/2 in a.m. and without food and then 6 to 8 hours later.  Some people get used to the dose over time and it can take 6 to 12 weeks for the body to get used to it.  Some people feel better in a few weeks. It all depends as each one of us is different.

NDT is okay and close to our human one.  It is 1 grain as a starter dose then increasing by 1/2 grain after blood work.  Hard to get this in the UK I hear.

Many people need to go up or down in the medication and if you are pregnant you will have to adjust the dose as the doctor monitors you during this time.

Bad symptoms should fade over time as the body builds a new level. Some simple blood work you need are:  Ferritin &  iron levels, calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, blood sugar levels, TSH, T4 and T3, Vit D and B-12 levels and blood cortisol. Plus any pregnancy tests needed.

Iron and ferritin need to be in good shape to make LEVO work well. Ferritin which is a component of iron needs tobe 70+ and if it is low your Levo may not work well. So very important to check out. Easily done by blood test.

Another option is to play around with the medication and maybe phase it in slowly so take a lower dose and then 2 days a week you add the larger dose, and do that for a while about 2 weeks and then you can add in another day at the higher dose.

If it does not help, then ask for a small dos eof Levo and a small dose of T3 called Liothyronine or Cytomel.  This will give you a 3rd option if the other 2 fail. Ask your doctor to test the blood cortisol level and you may need adrenal support.

Pain is a sign you are still Hypo, and it should be better if you can find a way to take the higher dose.

Please let us know how you feel in the next few months, any questions just ask,

Shelly

3

Hello Zana:

I sent you a private message - as I must have said something and it is being sent to moderator.

Shelly

4

Zaba, just a thought, has the manufacturer of your levothyroxine changed? All types of levothyroxine are not the same. Some manufacturers put different fillers in (to bind the tablet together) and you might be reacting to the fillers. You will need more thyroxine in pregnancy.