Underactive thyroid?

Underactive thyroid?

my hubby has been told he needs to take thyroxine for life his blood result was 15 mmls(I think is the measurement type)how long till he begins to feel well again.he has been sleeping all the time and feeling depressed and lost weight also been grumpy or moody

User Comments

1. my mum takes this for the same reason - she felt well pretty soon after taking it but from time to time she does get side effects such as a facial palsy (basically one side of her face become frozen) but a trip back to the doctor and an adjustment of her meds usually works - you're husband has much better chance of feeling better and helping himself the more excercise he gets (walking / cycling) and if he keeps an eye on his diet ! - best of luck
2. Usually you GAIN weight with an under active thyroid, but that's beside the point. If he has just started treatment, it could take some time to see improvement; the doctor will start at a low dose and recheck the blood work in about 4 weeks. The dosage level will be increased or decreased accordingly until thyroid levels reach normal levels.
   
   The reason a low dose is given is, it can be dangerous to start at a high level. I had an over active thyroid; the doctor ablated it with radiation. Once I became hypothyroid, I was started on levothyroxine 125mcg; my levels did not reach normal until my dosage reached 200mcg. It will take some time, but he will feel better after awhile. During this time play close attention to his diet, and stay in close contact with your doctor, and make sure the medication is taken every day and not missed. Thyroid hormone replacement is a lifetime treatment. Also, you may want to know; once the levels reach normal range, after some time they may again become abnormal and the medication dosage will have to be changed. The thyroid can be sometimes tricky. It's best to be under the care of an Endocrinologist. Good luck.
   
   Paramedic in SC