I've just had my levothyroxine dosage increased...

[CarlHalling]

Hi, everyone. I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism in 2011, and started on 25mcg of Levothyroxine, working my way up to 100 mcg. However, recently my doctors ‘upped’ my dosage to 125 mcg. Given Levothyroxine’s long half life, will an increased dose affect how I feel, whether positively or negatively, or will that take time? I mean: will I notice the increase? It should be noted I'm feeling more or less 'normal' as things stand, although I do have very low energy levels. Carl.

[Barb135]

Do you know if you have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis?

[CarlHalling]

I'm not sure, Barb. Hypothyroidism is all I know; but what type I can't say.

[Barb135]

Hi Carl... Are you saying that your doctor jumped you from 25 mcg to 125 mcg, all at once?  If so, that's quite a jump and not one that's usually done in one swoop.  

The answer is "yes", you will, most likely feel it, however, it will take some time, as it takes 4-6 weeks for a dosage of levo to reach full potential in your blood.

I'm having a hard time justifying an increase of this nature...Did your doctor explain "why" s/he was prescribing such an increase?  Do you have a copy of your most recent lab work you can post here, so we can see what's going on?  Be sure to post the lab's reference ranges, along with any results, since ranges vary lab to lab and have to come from your own report.

Is low energy level the only symptom you have?

[CarlHalling]

Hi Barb, good to hear from you. No, I was slowly increased several years ago from 25 mcg to 100 mcg, which I've been on for years, and have felt fine. Although I was increased again recently, from 100 mcg to 125 mcg. Although I've not yet taken the plunge, and was wondering how I'd feel. In general, I feel fine and have no symptoms, other than the tiredness/low energy I mentioned.