Blood test results after reducing dosage of Levothyroxine.

[InLiverpool]

I have been taking Levothyroxine since 1994 after having had a partial thyroidectomy and being unhappy on T3. On the advice of a junior consultant who assured me that I should take the dose that makes me fell well I have always been on 200 mcg.

In the past 2 years my GP practice have made efforts to get me to reduce my dose as they have said I am being over medicated.

I have just requested my last 4 test results and would appreciate some comments.

In October on 200 mcg

TSH 0.05

T4. 42.6

In January on 175 mcg

TSH 0.05

T4. 36.9

In May on 175 mcg

TSH. 0.05

T4. 42.6*** I started to take my Thyroxine in the evening 2 hours after eating***

in July on 150 mcg

TSH. 0.05

T4. 32.1

Sorry about the length - this is my 1st post after lurking for a while.

Thanks

[Clutter]

InLiverpool, Your FT4 still looks too high. It's usually recommended that FT4 be in the top 75% of range but not over range. Do you feel any better on the reduced dose and with your FT4 lower?

[InLiverpool in reply to Clutter]

Thanks for a quick reply. I don't feel any difference to be honest possibly because now I am taking it in the evening on an empty stomach. I am 56 years old and weigh 8 Stone 4 pounds.

I think I have a psychological block about going any lower after all these years!

What would the top of 75% range look like?

Thanks

[Clutter in reply to InLiverpool]

InLiverpool, The lab ref range is the figures in brackets after your results. You can ask your Gp receptionist for a printout of your thyroid results with the ranges. FT4 ranges are usually something like 10-22 or 12-24.

[galathea in reply to Clutter]

Dr toft says in his book understanding thyroid, That some people are best with free t4 at the top of, or just over, range.

[Clutter in reply to galathea]

Galathea, I think 32 is a bit more than just over range.

[galathea in reply to Clutter]

Clutter, it Depends what the range is. The point is that its ok to be over, not just in the top 75%., but you said it was not ok to be over range with t4, Which isn't what dr toft says,

"InLiverpool, Your FT4 still looks too high. It's usually recommended that FT4 be in the top 75% of range but not over range. Do you feel any better on the reduced dose and with your FT4 lower? "

[silverfox7]

I went to see an Endo recently who I'd heard always asked patients to reduce so I was prepared for it so when it came I casually said, oh I tried it once but it didn't work! His surprising comment was that I'd probably been on it that long that my body wouldn't tolerate any less! Told me to try if I could. he's the one who thinks you don't have a problem unless TSH > 10!

[dolphin5]

You've quoted T4 results. I'm wondering if it is actually T4 or free T4 (FT4) that you're quoting. Maybe you actually have a lower number for FT4? Of course your FT3 is actually the one that matters most. Have they measured that? Getting the printout of the results as they came from the hospital is vital to working out what's happening. They should do this for you if you ask.