Advice please re dr reducing dosage

[diamondial]

Since my last post I reduced my T4 dosage to 75mcg and 50mcg on alternate days as requested by dr and increased my T3 to 12.5mcg daily (sourced privately but dr informed although not told dosage). Two weeks ago I had a blood test and the dr texted to say she wanted me to reduce to 50mcg daily as they are "slightly over-replacing the thyroid". Slightly awkward as I had actually increased my dose to 75mcg after the blood test as I started to get a bad shoulder ache which might of course not be connected but anyway is now fine. I collected a print out today and enclose a photo. I don't think I should reduce to 50mcg daily but perhaps should go back to 75/50 alternate days? I'd very much appreciate advice and also what to say to the doctor!! Many thanks. Oh nearly forgot - I took T4 24 hours earlier and halved T3 and took half am and half about 10 hours before blood test which was taken at 8.15 before food or drink. Hope I've done it right this time!

[Lalatoot]

I wouldn't change anything if you are feeling ok. Those results are not ones that suggest overmedication. The doctor is only looking at the TSH.

[diamondial in reply to Lalatoot]

Many thanks Lalatoot. In fact I'm thinking of sticking to 75mcg of T4 daily rather than the 75/50 alternate days used for the blood test. It was a little after reducing to the 75/50 that I developed a painful shoulder (never had before), tendon pain under my right foot arch (also never had) and runner's knee (I think) on my left leg. I felt I was falling apart! Since going back to 75mcg daily the shoulder pain's gone as has the pain under my foot and the runner's knee is nearly better. I know it could all be a coincidence but it did make me wonder as I've read hypothyroidism can cause tendonitis. Don't know what I'm going to say to the doctor though!

[greygoose in reply to diamondial]

How about just saying no? You're only over-medicated if your FT3 is over-range. Once the TSH is under one, it gives no useful information about thyroid status. And, as you're taking T3, it is going to be low because the pituitary is now satisfied with thyroid hormone levels in the blood. Tell her, you know all about the supposed risks of having a suppressed TSH, but you are willing to take them, and take full responsibility.

[diamondial in reply to greygoose]

Thanks greygoose . I just don't understand why the TSH level is taken as the holy grail and the actual measurements of T4 and T3 basically ignored. I'll just have to pluck up my courage and be brave!

[greygoose in reply to diamondial]

Well, that's what they're taught in med school. It's a misunderstanding of how it all works handed down from teacher to student for many years, and now they would be very reluctant to admit that they've all been wrong all this time. It's just sheer ignorance.

Good luck.

[diamondial in reply to greygoose]

Thanks greygoose - much appreciated! 😊

[greygoose in reply to diamondial]

You're welcome.

[jgelliss in reply to Lalatoot]

Spot On Lalatoot.

[crimple]

diamondial, your results look good to me. As others have said the GP is only looking at your TSH. It's irrelevant when you are taking T3. I was a poor converter of T4 to T3 and only now feel well because I started taking T3. Eventually GP referred me to Endo and I now have T3 from NHS. I told the GP I preferred a life to an existence and I was not the slightest bit interested in my TSH . I had had a Dexa scan (as part of some research) which was fine and the palpitations which I had when on T4 only had stopped once on some T3.

I take 100mcgm levo and 15 mcgm T3. I have got my life back.

[diamondial in reply to crimple]

Thanks crimple . It's so frustrating that doctors seem only to take notice of the TSH. I have to say that the real difference for me in taking T3 is that I noticed I stopped suddenly losing all the strength in my legs when cycling as I did before. My friend was pleased too that she didn't have to keep stopping while I had to rest!