Query

[Natlovesgib]

I've been taking 50mg levothroxine for 5 years. My latest TSH result was 18 so my doctor has lowered my dose to 25. I think he should have increased it not lowered it. Any advice?

[greygoose]

You're absolutely right! What is the man playing at? Did he test anything other than TSH? I think you should ask for a second opinion. Or at the very least ask him why he did that? When on thyroid hormone replacement, the TSH should be one or under. I think he must be a bit confused!

[Heloise]

Hi Nat, seriously is your TSH 18? Not 1.8? Even in Europe a TSH of 18 would be immediately treated and if already treated would need an immediate RAISE in the dose. Do you have an idea of why he did that? Did you complain of any hyperactive symptoms?

[shaws Administrator]

What a disgrace. Have these doctors had absolutely no training about the function of the thyroid gland and what to do when it is dysfunctional. NO must the the answer when there are responses to patients like yours has done.

Is he himself suffering from hypothyroidism - but still undiagnosed? I think that's a possibility if he has difficulty with thought processes.

A starting dose is 50mcg of levo with increases of 25mcg every six weeks until the patient is symptom-free.

Ask for a phone consultation and tell him you've contacted the NHS Choices for information about dysfunctional thyroid gland and have told you are on too low a dose and would like an early appointment for a Full Thyroid Function Test. i.e. TSH, T4, T3, Free T4, Free T3 and thyroid antibodies. B12, Vit D, iron, ferritin and folate.

He or lab may not do all of these but if you can afford the ones we have private labs will do those ones. GP should definitey check vitamins/minerals.

You must make the very earliest appointment, fasting (you can drink water) and allow a gap of 24 hours between the last dose and the test.

Get a print-out and you should be on about 150mcg of T4 (levo) I believe by now. (that's a guess on my part) and post your results on a new post.

[Natlovesgib]

Thanks everyone. I'm going to continue with 50 until I can see my other doctor.

[silverfox7]

Have a look at the site of Thyroid UK who run this forum and are recommended by NHS Choices. Lots of info to help you but shout out if nothing you don't understand. You are already a step ahead of your GP!