25 mcg increase some advice please!: I'm... - Thyroid UK

Thyroid UK

141,246 members166,486 posts

25 mcg increase some advice please!

Yana profile image
Yana
9 Replies

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.

Written by
Yana profile image
Yana
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
9 Replies
greygoose profile image
greygoose

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

Yana profile image
Yana

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.

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply toYana

Fingers crossed!

Moggie profile image
Moggie

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

Yana profile image
Yana

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.

Duchy82 profile image
Duchy82

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

Yana profile image
Yana

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.

ThyroidThora profile image
ThyroidThora in reply toYana

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.

Yana profile image
Yana

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...

endocrinology.org/press/pre...

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

25 mcg starting dose

Hi !, After ten years of fluctating tsh values,subclinical thyroid ( ranges 5 to 6.5 with normal...
brirb profile image

Requested 25 mcg T4 Increase

I just want to confirm I am correct in requesting a 25mcg increase in T4. I was on 50mcg of T4 and...
Trina64 profile image

Advice needed please

Hi, I've been feeling pretty rubbish for quite a while & have many symptoms associated with...
jane-c profile image

Increase in dose

Hi just found out my TSH is 8.9 but T4 within normal limits (sorry forgot to get value). My GP has...
joav0871 profile image

Advice please

My latest results on 62.5 levo was: Tsh 0.08 (0.35-5.5) Ft4 12.9 (10-19.8) Before on 75 Tsh was...
lisan1 profile image

Moderation team

See all
helvella profile image
helvellaAdministrator
RedApple profile image
RedAppleAdministrator
Buddy195 profile image
Buddy195Administrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.