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Does Intake Of Levothyroxine At Night Cause Sleeplessness?
Question: I weigh 162. I take 50mg of levothyroxine each night. (I had 1/2 of my thyroid removed in March of 2015.) I get to sleep but I will wake up around 11:00 and often not go back to sleep for hours. It is not because I have things going through my mind. I just can't go back to sleep. This has been going on regularly since December. I am also postmenopausal. The attached image shows the results of my most recent thyroid counts. What do you recommend I do? I need sleep!
Brief Answer:
Thyroid
Detailed Answer:
Sorry to learn about your bothersome symptoms.
I have reviewed the attached report. The TSH is above 6 while the Free T4 is on the lower side of normal. This can be improved by increasing the dose of levothyroxine. I typically go to 62.5 mcg first and recheck thyroid labs in 6 weeks but you should ask your doctor whether this is appropriate for you. This is because several factors are taken into account in each individual and a comprehensive examination is necessary
There are other potential reasons for your symptoms too such as thyroid problems.
Regarding the sleeplessness problem you are experiencing, generally it is levothyroxine overdose that causes such symptoms. However, you dose is slightly inadequate. So it is unlikely to be the cause of your sleep trouble.
The tests mentioned below will help uncover many possible causes.
When I see someone like you in my practice, I typically order the following blood tests in addition to a detailed physical examination:
CBC (Complete Blood Count, also known as Hemogram; includes Hemoglobin, WBC and Platelet counts)
Electrolytes (Sodium and Potassium in particular)
HbA1c (Glycosylated Hemoglobin = your last 3 months' glucose average). Also known by other names such as GlycoHemoglobin or Glycated Hemoglobin or A1c
Liver function tests (SGOT , SGPT, Albumin, Bilirubin, Alkaline Phosphatase)
Kidney function tests (BUN, Creatinine)
25 hydroxy Vitamin D levels (ideal range 40 to 60 ng/ml = 100 to 150 nmol/liter)
None of these tests require any fasting and can be done at any time of the day Correct diagnosis and treatment requires the opportunity to examine the patient so you must see an endocrinologist in-person.
Thyroid
Detailed Answer:
Sorry to learn about your bothersome symptoms.
I have reviewed the attached report. The TSH is above 6 while the Free T4 is on the lower side of normal. This can be improved by increasing the dose of levothyroxine. I typically go to 62.5 mcg first and recheck thyroid labs in 6 weeks but you should ask your doctor whether this is appropriate for you. This is because several factors are taken into account in each individual and a comprehensive examination is necessary
There are other potential reasons for your symptoms too such as thyroid problems.
Regarding the sleeplessness problem you are experiencing, generally it is levothyroxine overdose that causes such symptoms. However, you dose is slightly inadequate. So it is unlikely to be the cause of your sleep trouble.
The tests mentioned below will help uncover many possible causes.
When I see someone like you in my practice, I typically order the following blood tests in addition to a detailed physical examination:
CBC (Complete Blood Count, also known as Hemogram; includes Hemoglobin, WBC and Platelet counts)
Electrolytes (Sodium and Potassium in particular)
HbA1c (Glycosylated Hemoglobin = your last 3 months' glucose average). Also known by other names such as GlycoHemoglobin or Glycated Hemoglobin or A1c
Liver function tests (SGOT , SGPT, Albumin, Bilirubin, Alkaline Phosphatase)
Kidney function tests (BUN, Creatinine)
25 hydroxy Vitamin D levels (ideal range 40 to 60 ng/ml = 100 to 150 nmol/liter)
None of these tests require any fasting and can be done at any time of the day Correct diagnosis and treatment requires the opportunity to examine the patient so you must see an endocrinologist in-person.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I attached another lab work-up I had this summer. I think it has many of the tests you suggested. Do these results reveal anything, of note?
Thank you!
XXXXXXX
Thank you!
XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
I have reviewed the additional laboratory data you have attached.
It has the hemogram, electrolytes, glucose, calcium, liver and kidney function tests which are all normal.
It does not include:
HbA1c
25 hydroxy Vitamin D
LDL cholesterol (it has other cholesterol components but this one is conspicuously missing)
These would be helpful
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
I have reviewed the additional laboratory data you have attached.
It has the hemogram, electrolytes, glucose, calcium, liver and kidney function tests which are all normal.
It does not include:
HbA1c
25 hydroxy Vitamin D
LDL cholesterol (it has other cholesterol components but this one is conspicuously missing)
These would be helpful
Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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