Just starting out on Levothroid

[Buddy03]

Hi!  Bear w/me, I'm new at this, but I do have a question.  I'm newly diagnosed w/hypothyroidism and have started taking .05 mg of Levothroid.  I know this will sound impatient but after SO long of feeling awful and weight gain, I want to know how long you all think it will take before I start feeling better?  I've only been on the drug 10 days, but I'm just anxious to start feeling better!  

[Rusty1414]

Hi, I'm just starting all this process myself, and im wondering the same as you.  I have not had the byopsie done yet and then the meds will start.  I, like you , want a instant cure, it's nice to read from others what to expect.  Good luck to you and please keep me posted on your progress, as I'm just starting this myself.
Thank you for asking my questions,
Rusty

[gimel]

The half life of a T4 med is about one week.  This means that it takes about 4 weeks for the blood level to build up to about 93 % of final effect.    That's why doctors frequently request that you wait for 6-8 weeks to return for follow up on blood test.  Some patients say they notice some benefit in less time than that, but you should be aware that symptoms sometimes lag behind changes in the blood levels, dependent on how severe your hypothyroidism has been and the length of time you were hypo.  Your body can take some time to heal, before you really notice a big difference, so be a little patient.

What thyroid testing has been done for you?  If you would please post the results and the lab's reference ranges, it would help members understand how you have been diagnosed and treated.

[jennerfennerbenner]

Oh boy the worst thing for me was being patient!  I wanted to feel better now!!!!  I would say a couple of months too and many of those days I felt like giving up.  But now 1 and a half years later......I have energy-weights off and I dont sleep forever!!  Hang in there!!

[olivia289]

Hi Buddy,

When I originally began taking Levo it took a few months and for it to be increased before I began to feel better. Even now, there are days that I wonder if I am at the correct level. What I am trying to say is that it can take some time.

Try to be patient. Wishing you well!