Do I need more thyroxine?

Have noticed that nobody seems to be on only 50 mcgs thyroxine as I have for 10 yrs.

My recent TSH reading was 4.08 and I am not feeling good- very achy muscles- am I too old at 72yrs.to ask for more Eltroxin?

[kazzyhoo]

Your TSH does seem rather high still, I think that you have the right to feel well whatever your age!

[Cinnamon]

I'm on 50ug of levo (GP started me off on 25ug, which seems unheard of), but my most recent TSH level was 0.45. With a TSH of over 4 I wasn't feeling very well at all. Perhaps ask for dose to be changed to see how you feel.

[PinkNinja]

You must be feeling pretty awful with a TSH that high! If you are on thyroxine, your TSH really needs to be below 1 according to Dr Toft who is a former chair of the British Thyroid Association. Please ask for an increase. 50mcg is a starting dose and should have been increased by 25mcg intervals every 4-6 weeks until your symptoms disappeared.

I hope you get your increase so you can feel human again!

Carolyn x

[PinkNinja]

And don't accept the argument that an increase will cause osteoporosis. It has been proven that this is not the case unless T3 (the converted, active form of thyroxine) is significantly high, and that it is too little thyroxine that causes osteoporosis. I feel it is important that you get an increase in your dose.

Carolyn x

[cal1971 in reply to PinkNinja]

There are a number of articles on the web regarding the osteoporosis question- I also have been on 50 mcg for over 12 years but am currently trying to get my dose increased, and my TSH is around 1.2- don't let them tell you that your achy muscles are due to your 'age' either!

[PinkNinja in reply to cal1971]

Too right! My mother-in-law is in her 70's and fit as a fiddle. None of those aches and pains, but then she is very healthy. If we're all properly medicated, we should feel like that too!

[Hidden]

Thankyou to everyone who has taken the trouble to reply to my question.I shall hopefully be able to improve things and enjoy life again.

[ellarose1234]

You need your dose upped for sure. No you are not too old at 72! I'm 72 and on 125. I would feel awful with a TSH of over 4. I'm also booked in on Monday for a fitness induction at a gym. Getting a bit slack in my dotage so thought would get back to a bit of organised exercise instead of thinking a short walk would do any good! Mind you I could fall off the bike I suppose but it's worth a try. Suddenly seemed silly after years of exercising to give up when I really need it. As long as I keep within my limits and under supervision should be just fine

[Hidden]

Marfit

Hi ellarose1234,

Thanks so much for your answer.I too have always been a lover of sport and keeping fit....have been to an aqua aerobics class for the last twenty years too,so am feeling a bit depressed with my present situation.I will see my GP this week and hopefully get something done to improve things.I will report back later.It has really opened my eyes joining this Thyroid UK support group!......best wishes, marfit