Do people take different levels of thyroxine to obtain overall therapeutic levels?

[auntiezulu]

I was taking 150mcg thyroxine for about 2 years and was tested too low TSH. Thyroxine reduced to 125mcg for 1 year, now TSH too high (14). Now back on 150mcg thyroxine.

Q. Does anyone take thyroxine at one dose one day and different dose another day to obtain therapeutic levels?

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

Quite a number of people take, say, 125 one day and 150 the next, sometimes called alternating day dosage. It is often less trouble to do that than to fuss around splitting tablets.

Another issue is that the manufacturers vary. Only Mercury Pharma produce tablets in 25, 50 and 100 mcg doses. People do report different effects from different formulations. So you might find that a reason for 125 seeming too low and 150 too much.

And yes, this can occur after being stable on the same dose for years. So many factors affect both exactly how much you need and how much of what you take is absorbed and utilised, it is pretty common to see people in your sort of situation. It is also difficult to deal with if it keeps changing over months as doctors and labs stop being willing to repeatedly do tests.

Rod

[auntiezulu in reply to helvella]

Thanks for that Rod, this was really helpful.

[Clarebear]

How did you feel on 150mcg before they lowered your thyroxine due to "low" TSH? Do you have your actual test results from then? If so pleae could you post them on here? Often doctors adjust dosage by TSH, but this is not the best way. xx

[auntiezulu in reply to Clarebear]

I cant remember exactly what my tsh was on 150mcg thyroxine, but I do know that it was point something (less than 1). My GP said that I was in danger of overdosing on thyroid meds. However I did feel well, no palpitations etc which I understand is typical if taking too much. Thanks for your interest Judith

[Hidden]

Hi i take 175/150 on alternate days, I was on 200 for years and years, till my menopause kicked in and it all went to pot ! Hope you manage to reach a good level x

[auntiezulu in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for that Smooze. I think, after doing research, we as 'sufferers' seem to know our own bodies and how we feel, despite what G.Ps might tell us. I suppose we have to stand our ground on occassions Judith

[Wired]

I take alternate doses too. 100/75mcg as recommended by my old Endo. She said that many people do that. Take care.

[auntiezulu in reply to Wired]

Thankyou Wired, this is good to know. I think my best course of action is to get into the normal range on 150mcg and then alternate with 125mcg and see how that goes. I 'may' speak to my GP about this when the time is right, but maybe not!!

Judith