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Author: Admin | 2025-04-28
Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) prescribing guidance for levothyroxine allows healthcare professionals to consider consistently prescribing a specific formulation known to be well tolerated by the patient. If you would like to report side effects of any medication, you can do this via the government’s Yellow Card schemeRegular blood tests are importantOnce your TSH levels have been established, you will usually be offered a blood test every 12 months to monitor your levels. Not all GP surgeries will call you for blood tests so it’s a good idea to try and keep a record of your last blood test and request one if your GP has not called you for it. It’s also a good idea to ask for your blood test results to keep track of levels and get a feel for what are optimal readings for you.Changes in weight might mean your dose needs alteringYour levothyroxine dose is often calculated according to your body weight. So, if you have any significant changes in your weight, it is advisable to have your bloods tested to see whether you require a change in dose.Menopause can affect your levothyroxine doseDue to declining levels of oestrogen around the time of menopause and in postmenopausal women who are not prescribed HRT, some women may require their levothyroxine dose reducing. Women with pre-existing hypothyroidism may require an increase in their thyroxine dose after starting oral combined HRT. This is generally not the case when taking HRT via patch, gel or spray though. Our menopause article explains more.Keeping a diary may helpA diary is not only helpful to record your blood test results and medication levels. As some symptoms develop over time, it’s sometimes hard to remember when they first develop or how they impact you. So many people also find it useful to keep a note of how they’re feeling at certain times and also to jot down what else is going on in their lives at the time. This may help you to recognise certain things that you can do to help you manage your condition better. For example, you may notice that a change of routine may affect your energy levels or that socialising with others improves your mood.Biotin can give a false blood test reading Biotin (also known as vitamin B7) is used in many cosmetic products, as well as supplements, to promote hair and nail growth. Although its benefits are anecdotal, it is understandably popular among people living with hypothyroidism to address these issues. The daily recommended intake of biotin for an adult is 30mcg but many biotin supplements marketed for cosmetic reasons contain much higher doses, ranging from 5,000mcg to 10,000mcg. We recommend you be aware that these mega
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