Levothyroxine is a synthetic hormone that is used to replace the thyroid hormones that are not being produced properly. When it is not taken in sufficient quantities, the result can be a number of unpleasant symptoms.
The most common symptom related to not taking sufficient levothyroxine is fatigue and feeling tired throughout the day. This is because not having enough of the medication can cause a slowdown in the body’s metabolism which can lead to lower energy levels.
Other related symptoms include: a weakened immune system, memory issues, depression, constipation, dry skin, muscle aches and pains, reduced fertility, increased sensitivity to cold temperatures, slowed heart rate, and more.
In general, if someone is not taking sufficient levothyroxine, they should talk to their doctor right away. The doctor can conduct tests and adjust the medication dosage if necessary to make sure that the patient is taking the proper amount of levothyroxine.
Table of Contents
What happens when levothyroxine is too low?
When levothyroxine levels are too low, it can lead to a condition known as hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is a condition where the body does not produce enough of the thyroid hormone (which is vital for controlling metabolism).
Symptoms of hypothyroidism can include fatigue, depression, weight gain, menstrual irregularities, dry skin, constipation, poor concentration, and an increased sensitivity to cold. If left untreated, hypothyroidism can lead to more serious health problems such as heart disease, anemia, and infertility.
It’s important to talk to a doctor as soon as possible if you suspect you may have hypothyroidism. The doctor will be able to do blood tests and other tests to determine if your levothyroxine levels are too low.
Treatment typically involves taking levothyroxine medications and making lifestyle changes such as exercising, reducing stress, and eating a healthy diet. With proper treatment and management, most people with hypothyroidism can live normal, healthy lives.
How do I know if my levothyroxine is too low?
If your levothyroxine dosage is too low, you may experience a number of symptoms. Generally, you may feel fatigued and weak, experience difficulty with weight or hair loss, or increased sensitivity to cold.
You may notice constipation, memory problems, or difficulty concentrating as well. Other symptoms can include weight gain or an increase in depression. If any of these symptoms persist or worsen, it is important to contact your doctor as they may indicate that your levothyroxine dosage is too low.
Your doctor may want to run a blood test to further evaluate your levels and determine if an increase in your dosage is necessary.
Can not enough thyroid medicine make you tired?
Yes, not taking enough thyroid medicine can make you feel quite tired. People with hypothyroidism have an underactive thyroid gland, meaning their bodies do not produce enough of the hormones that control metabolism and other bodily functions.
Without enough of these hormones, the body slows down, resulting in fatigue and other symptoms. Taking the right type and amount of thyroid hormone replacement medication is essential for managing symptoms and feeling well.
If you are not taking enough thyroid medicine, it can cause insufficient hormone levels, leading to fatigue and other hypothyroidism symptoms. This can be a vicious cycle because being sleepy and exhausted may make it even more difficult to take the required dose.
It is important to talk to your doctor if you suspect your current dose of thyroid hormone replacement is not enough, as they can make changes to your dose or adjust your medication accordingly.
Can too little levothyroxine cause weight gain?
Yes, too little levothyroxine (the synthetic form of the thyroid hormone thyroxine) can cause weight gain. When the body does not have enough thyroid hormones, known as hypothyroidism, it can cause the body’s metabolic rate to slow down and make it harder to break down and use calories.
When the body is not efficiently using calories, the excess energy is turned into fat and can lead to weight gain. Additionally, hypothyroidism caused by too little levothyroxine can also lead to an increased appetite and cause cravings for salty and sweet foods, which can also lead to weight gain.
Other potential effects of an underactive thyroid include fatigue, a slowed heart rate, and depression, which can also contribute to weight gain.
If you think you are gaining weight due to too little levothyroxine, it is important to consult your doctor to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. Treatment options may include a change in dietary habits and an increase in levothyroxine dosage.
To ensure the effects of treatment, it is also important for your doctor to continue to monitor your thyroid levels.
What is the lowest amount of levothyroxine you can take?
The lowest amount of levothyroxine that you can take will depend on a variety of factors such as your current health status, the particular brand of levothyroxine being prescribed, and the condition that you are being treated for.
Generally speaking, the dosage will range from 25 mcg to 200 mcg. Your doctor will be the best to provide specific dosing advice based on your individual needs. It is important to note that it is important to take the correct dosage since too much or too little levothyroxine can have significant health consequences.
It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and speak to your doctor if you have any concerns.
Why am I extremely tired on levothyroxine?
It is common to experience fatigue when taking levothyroxine, as it can take some time for the medicine to be effective in controlling your levels of thyroid hormones. It is possible you may not be taking the appropriate dose of levothyroxine, and your doctor may need to adjust the dose, or you may need to take multiple doses.
Other possible factors that could be related to your fatigue include iron and vitamin deficiencies, as well as stress and sleep deprivation. In addition, some people may have an underlying condition that is causing the fatigue, such as anemia or a thyroid issue.
Finally, it is possible that the levothyroxine is simply not the right medication for you, so it is important to talk to your doctor about an alternative medication that may be more suitable.
How can you tell if levothyroxine is working?
It is important to monitor your symptoms regularly when taking levothyroxine in order to determine whether or not the medication is working. Typically, when levothyroxine is working properly, symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, constipation, sensitivity to cold, and hoarseness should improve.
Additionally, laboratory tests such as thyroid function tests or TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) levels can be used to measure the effectiveness of the medication. If your TSH levels fall within the reference range, then the levothyroxine is likely working.
It is important to note that for some people, it can take weeks or even months for symptoms and lab tests to normalize on levothyroxine, so it is important to be patient and check in with your doctor regularly to make sure your dosage is correct and the medication is effective.
What are the symptoms if your thyroid medication is too high?
If your thyroid medication is too high, you may experience a number of symptoms, including an increased heart rate, palpitations, anxiety, weight loss, fatigue, insomnia, heat intolerance, diarrhea, vomiting, hair thinning, and hand tremors.
Additionally, you may experience irregular menstrual cycles, changes in libido, joint stiffness and swelling, hyperactivity, and difficulty swallowing. In more severe cases, extreme changes in personality and psychosis may occur.
It is important to consult your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms to ensure that your thyroid medication dosage is correctly adjusted.
What happens if you stop thyroid medication cold turkey?
Stopping thyroid medication cold turkey is not recommended and can cause serious health issues. It can result in an increase in symptoms associated with an underactive thyroid such as fatigue, constipation, dry skin, cold intolerance, weight gain, depression, and trouble concentrating.
It can also cause a worsening of existing symptoms and make any existing medical conditions difficult to manage. Additionally, it can cause an increase in levels of cells called thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in the blood that can lead to sporadic heart palpitations, chest pain, dizziness, and excessive sweating.
Other potential side effects of stopping thyroid medication cold turkey can include an increase in cholesterol levels in the blood, inflammation of the thyroid gland, and worsening an already existing autoimmune condition called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
Furthermore, abruptly stopping thyroid medication may result in an increased risk of osteoporosis, miscarriage, and difficulty giving birth to a baby with a normal weight. It is always important to follow the specific instructions of your physician and/or endocrinologist when it comes to discontinuing or changing thyroid medication.
When should levothyroxine be increased?
The dose of levothyroxine should be increased if a patient is not responding to their current dose. Symptoms of not responding to a current dose may include persistent fatigue, weight gain, hair loss, depression, sensitivity to cold, constipation, poor concentration, joint pain, or an elevation in TSH levels (greater than expected).
If patients experience any of these symptoms, they should discuss further testing and a possible dose adjustment with their healthcare provider.
When adjusting doses, it is generally recommended to increase doses by 25 mcg every 3-4 weeks and to re-check lab tests, particularly TSH levels, in 4-6 weeks following the dose adjustment. However, not all patients are the same and the needed dose adjustment may vary from patient to patient, so each patient should discuss the best steps for them with their healthcare provider.
What to do when overmedicated on levothyroxine?
If you have been overmedicated on levothyroxine, it is important to remain in close contact with your doctor. The first step is to contact your doctor and let them know your symptoms. They will likely ask you to stop taking the medication and reduce the dosage until symptoms subside.
It is important to stay hydrated and rest when possible, as well as to avoid strenuous activity and schedule follow-up appointments with your doctor or specialist. Common symptoms of overmedication include anxiety, heart palpitations, tremors, sweating, fatigue, and headaches.
If these symptoms persist, your doctor may adjust your dose or prescribe an additional medication to help manage them. Your doctor may also recommend dietary adjustments, such as avoiding certain foods that may interfere with the effectiveness of the medication.
It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions and take regular visits with your healthcare provider to track your progress.
How do you fix Overmedicated thyroid?
Fixing overmedicated thyroid can be challenging and it is important to work with a doctor to find the best approach for your individual situation. The most important step is to reduce the dosage of your thyroid medication until the symptoms of overmedication subside.
Reducing the dosage too quickly may result in hypothyroid symptoms and will very likely require additional medication to treat. Additionally, supplements such as iodine, omega-3 fatty acids, selenium, and zinc can be used to replenish important nutrients that are often depleted when medication is changed or reduced.
A diet rich in lean proteins and complex carbohydrates such as fruits and vegetables can also support thyroid health. Additionally, reducing stress levels and increasing physical activity are important steps to take to support proper metabolic function.
If overmedication persists, alternative treatments such as thyroid-stimulating hormone therapy, radioactive iodine, or natural desiccated thyroid hormone may be considered. Ultimately, the best approach to managing overmedicated thyroid often depends on individual lifestyle factors, and it is important to work with a doctor to find the best approach for your situation.
