Under Active Thyroid Gland

[Barsel]

When you have one of the above and you take Levothyroxine, how often should you have a blood test to make sure you are on the correct dosage? Many thanks. x

[scorpiojo]

I'm on a yearly follow-up programme

[ladyalex]

I think it depends on how long you have been taking that particular dose of levothyroxine.
A relative of mine was on the same dose for years and was tested annually.
If the Drs have been changing the dosage, though , or if the person is feeling unwell, then I expect they would be tested (and clinically examined) more often.

[TWR]

My Wife goes once an year Basel. If unsure contact your GP.

[Barsel]

Thanks for your answers. I do go once a year but thought perhaps it should be more often than this, but this seems to be the norm. x

[Sqad]

If you have just started on thyroid replacement then you need tests every 3 months until you are stabilized and after that once a year should suffice.

[Barsel]

Thanks Sqad, yes I have been on it for many years so once a year it is then.

[DTCwordfan]

exactly what happens to my mother, you go back to the 3 monthly if the body plays up and throws the thyroid off, either hypo or hyper can happen....

[Elina]

Barsel, trust your instincts if you start feeling tired/ put weight on ect. You don't have to wait a year to ask for test to be repeated. Like Dt said, it can be a bit of a see saw. The trouble with thyroid problems are, when things aren't right, it's a very gradual realisation of, oh it might be my thyroid!

[Barsel]

Thanks Elina,I have been very tired lately and it is getting me down plus I am overweight, but I only had the thyroid tested 5 months ago. Will see if I can make an appointment to discuss it with my GP. Many thanks. x

[Elina]

I've taken thyroxine since the late 70s x

[Elina]

Yes do!

[Fusion5]

I was reading recently that if you have an under active thyroid or no thyroid gland you are more prone to heart disease, do you think this is true ?

[Elina]

Not sure about that Fusion. May be squad knows?

[Barsel]

I don't know Fusion but I hope not. x

[Fusion5]

Me either, as I have no thyroid gland.

[Elina]

See here under heart effects .. http://www.livestrong.com/article/204950-effects-of-too-much-synthroid/

[Sqad]

Fusion....yes, that is true. People who have untreated underactive thyroid or poor and inadequate thyroid replacement tend to have a high cholesterol, fatty deposits in the arteries and prone to coronary artery problems.

I have never met a situation where a person has had no thyroid gland and no thyroid replacement.