Over medicated

[Angela]

Hello all not been here in a long time just had my latest blood results 0.35-4.94mlIU/L dose been reduced to 75 from 100 .would the weather have anything to do with it ???

[shaws Administrator]

Hi Angela,

You've put the range but not the result of your blood test. If you add this someone will respond.

Regardless, doctors shouldn't reduce your medication according to your TSH alone. If you had complained of overstimulation, etc. i.e. fast heart rate etc. that would be different. By adjusting meds they can cause problems. Excerpt:

Many endocrinologists talk of using the TSH and thyroid hormone levels to "fine tune" hypothyroid patients’ thyroid hormone dosages. Considering how much the hormone levels vary, however, it’s obvious that the concept of fine tuning is mistaken. For the sake of their patients’ health, endocrinologists should promptly abandon the notion.

[1973GB in reply to shaws]

Hi.

My levotyroxine medication was reduced last summer and i have just had another test which has revealed that it needs to be reduced again. It was put back up again a few months later so i am inclined to agree that there is some correlation with the weather and probably an increase in Vitamin D which has assisted in the absoption of the medication. Sorry this isnt a scientific explanation but its the only sense i can make of my test results. I have to say though that i dont feel overmedicated but the results i got back TSH, T3 and T4 suggest i am! Suspect i will be put back up again in the colder weather!

[Angela in reply to shaws]

Hi thats all the results on the print put should go back ?

[shaws Administrator in reply to Angela]

Hi Angela,

Being new if you want to reply to a particular comment you have to click the red Reply button, otherwise the person isn't notified.

You do need the numbers (results). I think he has only done the TSH. Results look something like this but sometimes its just T3, T4 or TSH.

Serum free triiodothyronine level (XaERq)...... 4.25 pmol/L (3.6 – 6.5)

Serum free T4 level (XaERr).............................14.4 pmol/L (9.0 – 19.1)

Serum TSH level (XaELV)............................... 0.29 mU/L (0.35 – 4.94)

[Angel_of_the_North]

If you feel well (or beter on a higher dose) you don't have to agree to a reduction. Your GP cannot change your meds withiotu yor agreement. If they mention heart problems or osteoporosis, ask for a 24 hour holter heart monitor and a DEXA bone scan to see if there is a problem. Under treatment can cause heart problems.