Anyone else only need 75mcg or less of thyroxine after thyroidectomy?

[MayaDominica]

Just wondering what are the lowest doses of thyroxine people are on with no thyroid? I'm currently on 75mcg a day and think I need to reduce again! Either that or I'm not converting to T3. The mind boggles...

[Hidden]

although it sounds low with someone with no thyroid i think it depends from the person.

[bantam12]

If 75 is working for you then that's what you need, everyone is different.

[Clutter]

MayaDominica,

If you post your TSH, FT4 and FT3 results with the ranges we can tell you whether you are over medicated and whether or not you are converting well. If you feel over medicated on 75mcg you could try 50mcg/75mcg alternate days.

After RAI my sister was on 75mcg for several years. Her TSH was a little higher than would suit a lot of people but she was fearful of being over medicated and it suited her. Recently her dose has been raised to 100mcg.

[MayaDominica in reply to Clutter]

That's good to know thank you... I don't yet know my T3 I am going to push with my GP next week to get them done. Currently my TSH is 0.1 (0.4 - 5) and my T4 is 17 (9 - 19)

[Clutter in reply to MayaDominica]

MayaDominica,

You aren't over medicated because FT4 is within range despite TSH being suppressed. As FT4 is within range it is very unlikely your FT3 will be over range.

If your GP is unable to order FT3 which isn't commonly tested in primary care you can order private labs from thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

[MayaDominica in reply to Clutter]

Thanks that's brilliant - I've just ordered the FT3 test off the website you gave me - at least it's 1 thing I can tick off the list and not have to hassle the GP about! Hopefully I'll have the results through before my GP appointment on wednesday and I'll be a bit clearer on whether I need to reduce T4 or add Cytomel... I'm at the point where I want to be totally committed to getting on top of this once and for all

[MayaDominica in reply to Clutter]

Hi Clutter - I've had my T3 results and was hoping you wouldn't mind giving me your advice.

TSH 0.1 (o.4 - 5)

T4 17 (9 - 19)

FREE T3 4.1 pmol/L (3.1 - 6.8)

With my T3 being in range I'm thinking I just need to reduce T4 as I felt better when it was about 14. Or do you think T3 is on the low side?

Thanks for your help

[Clutter in reply to MayaDominica]

MayaDominica,

FT3 4.1 is low, less than halfway through range. If you reduce dose FT4 and FT3 will drop.

[MayaDominica in reply to Clutter]

Oh yeh forgot about that! Do you think I need to push to drop T4 and add T3 then when I see the GP on wednesday?

[Clutter in reply to MayaDominica]

MayaDominica,

Your GP might have to refer you to endocrinology for a recommendation to prescribe T3. Adding a little T3 to Levothyroxine would raise FT3.

[MayaDominica in reply to Clutter]

Great thanks for all your help

[ninja1]

I had total thyroidectomy 22 years ago I was taking 100mcg but went hyper so doc reduced to 50 now I am extremely hypo tsh 15 so 75 would probs be good for me. I only weigh 53 kegs so I'm sure that's why can't tolerate high meds

[MayaDominica in reply to ninja1]

Hi I weigh about 46kg so that would explain why I only need a low dose. I am thinking I need to alternate between 50 and 75. Your TSH is really high so looks like you need to increase