thyroxine decreasing with age

[lizp]

ressults of blood tests over last 6 years have meant decrease from 225 mcgms, taken for over 25 years, to 200 mcgms, 175 mcgms, now 250 mcgms and latest test shows needs to be reduced yet again. I thought dosage needed to be increased as I age.

[RedApple Administrator]

I had heard that it's quite normal to need a lower dose in later life. But it could also be the result of other changes. For example, have you significantly changed things that you eat or drink. Or stopped taking certain other medications. Simply not taking your thyroxine at the same time as your morning coffee can make a difference.

The important thing really is not how much you're taking, but how well you feel. If you feel better on the lower dose, then that's got to be a good thing. If however, you start to notice some negative symptoms, then don't be afraid to discuss it with your GP. They can become too obsessed with test numbers and forget about your qulaity of life

[lizp in reply to RedApple]

many thanks for your reply. lizp

[lynmynott Partner Thyroid UK]

Hi lizp

If you are getting symptoms of hypothyroidism, then you should discuss an increase with your doctor. Go to our home page and find the Pulse magazine article in the news section which states that many patients don't feel better until their TSH is right at the bottom of the range.

We have been getting a lot of doctors over the past two years decreasing patient's dosages and they are becoming ill. We think, but don't know, that it's possibly to do with the QOF points that GP's get paid for. They have to show that they are dealing with hypothyroid patients.

[lizp in reply to lynmynott]

In my case, it isn't the GP who works out the blood test, but the Thyroid Register people. At least the GP agreed not to reduce the dose below 150 mcgms for another six months, because I became very vocal about all these decreases, since I am putting on weight and feel cold again, which I haven't felt since 1979. Doctor says possibility of osteoporosis, but have had bone scans and told 'strongest bones in Europe'. Many thanks for reply

Lizp