High TSH - GP reducing T4

[coral99]

Hi all

First post for me. I was diagnosed about 10 years ago with underactive thyroid. Recently had a test and my TSH was 7. Surprisingly my GP says he will drop my Levo from 100mcg to 75. I am also just inside the Hashimotos range. It seems I have misunderstood how hypo works all along as I though I would need to raise my thyroxine, Can anyone explain?? Thanks

Carol

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

You are correct, your GP is wrong. When your TSH goes higher/over range, you need a raise in dose of Levo, not a reduction. I would see a different GP, one who actually understands how to treat hypothyroidism.

[coral99 in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thanks for that. I thought I was going mad there for a moment! Yes maybe get a second opinion I think.

[Marz in reply to coral99]

if your TSH was 7 - do you have results for the FT4 and FT3 ? Do you have Hashimotos ? You need an increase NOT a decrease. You are correct to be concerned

[coral99 in reply to Marz]

Hi thanks for your reply. My free T4 is 10.0 so in range. I didn't get the T3 tested as it wasn't requested. My antibodies last year were 69 so just under the lower reference range of 70. They have been tested since.

[Marz in reply to coral99]

You didn't mention the range for the FT4 - but basing it on other ranges it looks under range. Lab ranges do vary. What symptoms do you have ? You need anti-bodies testing to rule out Hashimotos. The link below takes you to the main website of this forum - look around and read as much as you can so you can battle with your GP.

thyroiduk.org

[coral99]

Hi Marz

thanks for your reply. Yes I will get an up to date Hashimotos test. FT4 was in range. Thanks for the link. Will do a bit more reading.

[Marz in reply to coral99]

In range it might be but it looks to be at the bottom. Needs to be near the top.

[SlowDragon Ambassador]

Get vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 tested too

Definitely see a different GP

[AngieAsh]

Good grief and I was annoyed that they think my TSH of 4.4 is normal and won't give me an increase to 100mcg. I am no expert at all but TSH 7 ON 100 mcg it just seems so wrong to reduce your dose. Were you having hyper sysptoms like palpitations or something that might have prompted that?

[coral99]

No no other symptoms apart from the usual hypo type but then I have had chronic fatigue for about 25 years so never feel well. Beginning to wonder if it is all to do with thyroid now.

[Angel_of_the_North]

looks like yet another GO who doesn't know that high TSH means low thyroid hormones and the need for more levo.