I'm currently taking 75 mcgs levo., my TSH is 2.23. I am due an appointment with my GP to ask for an increase of 25 mcgs. Does anyone think this will take me below the thresh hold, or is it impossible to say?
ranges TSH (0.40 -5.00)
T3 3.78 ranges (2.60-5.70)
weight loss is the issue.
Many thanks.
Impossible to say. But with a TSH of 2.23, you really need an increase. Once you are on thyroid hormone replacement, the TSH should be below one. You're only on a tiny dose And your T3 is way too low to lose weight.
Hugs, Grey
Thanks for that. I'm nervous about what my GP will say. I've sent her a letter with some information that reiterates what you're saying about TSH being 1 or below. I even suggested a combination T4/T3 (might be pushing my luck.) I've used a bit of psychology suggesting that, she'll end up increasing my levo instead!
Wish me luck.
Many thanks.
My TSH was 2.61 a while back and an increase of 25mcg's has made all the difference. Without the increase my nails were splitting, I was dragging myself around, couldn't concentrate and generally felt awful but with the extra 25mcg's I am a lot better. Nails no longer breaking, brain a lot clearer and I was surprised that an increase of 25mcg's would make such a difference.
I did have to fight for it though as my endo decided that a TSH was fine until I told him, in no uncertain terms that my TSH needs to be below one for me to be able to function. He relented and gave me the increase.
Moggie x
That's great news! I take it you've had no adverse side effects?
Must admit my nails were the first thing that improved when taking the meds. I just need the weight loss then I have the full package.
Thanks a lot.
I dont think it will take it out of the tsh range if your tsh is 2.23 chances are it will just about take you between 1-2 and anyways if it does is there anything stopping you to go back to 75mcg? You've nothing to lose in trying an increase
Thank you, I had my appointment with my GP yesterday and she's agreed (without hesitation) to increase my dose to 100 mcgs. She was so nice really, and said "I like to treat the symptoms as appose to the reference ranges" it's what we all want to hear our GPs say isn't it
I think it helped sending her a letter before I went to see her, with research stating it's ok to have TSH levels lower than previously thought. I also showed her Dr Toffts exert out of his book recommending lower TSH (1 or barely audible.) She said we'll have to monitor you more closely, and if you go out of range we might have to think about alternating 75-100 each day.
Only time will tell!
Once again thanks.
Hiya Yana,
What is the title of Dr Toft's book, please? I think I will need this for my appointment at the hospital next week. I'm on 75mcg of Levothyroxine to bring my TSH down following cancer treatment but the hospital seem to think that my TSH of 2.16 is adequate even though I am visibly hypothyroid. I've tried telling them that my TSH needs suppressing to prevent the return of the cancer.
Many thanks.
It's called "understanding Thyroid Disorders" Dr Anthony Toft. It's one of the British Medical Association books £4.99, I got it from Waterstones. Here is some additional information you might want to print off, it's good British research that the medical profession can't argue with.
My friend has had thyroid cancer and she has to keep her TSH suppressed for that very reason. There are 2 links below, one of which I printed off and sent a letter, along with this info asking for an increase, and got one.
It just means they'll have to keep a close eye on you with a follow up blood test after 5 or 6 weeks.
Good luck!
thyroid.about.com/cs/hypoth...
25 mcg starting dose
25 mcg hasn't had much of an impact at all
Need some advice please 
25 mcg Levothyroxine 
Desperately in need of some advice please 
