Advice please re dr reducing dosage: Since my... - Thyroid UK

Thyroid UK

141,246 members166,490 posts

Advice please re dr reducing dosage

diamondial profile image
10 Replies

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!

Written by
diamondial profile image
diamondial
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
10 Replies
Lalatoot profile image
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 profile image
diamondial in reply toLalatoot

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 profile image
greygoose in reply todiamondial

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 profile image
diamondial in reply togreygoose

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 profile image
greygoose in reply todiamondial

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 profile image
diamondial in reply togreygoose

Thanks greygoose - much appreciated! 😊

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply todiamondial

You're welcome. :)

jgelliss profile image
jgelliss in reply toLalatoot

Spot On Lalatoot.

crimple profile image
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 profile image
diamondial in reply tocrimple

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!

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Muddled re next steps with T4 and T3

I recently had my blood tested strictly following the protocols advised here and the test was at...
diamondial profile image

Help with T4/T3 dosage please.

Hi, A couple of years ago I was taking 75mcg T4 given to me by my GP, but wasn't brilliant and...
TJM3 profile image

New member advice please

Prior to March I was fit and healthy. Developed slightly numb toes on long haul flight. 2 weeks...
VeraSimkiss profile image

Needing Advice Please

Hi everyone , sorry post is so late , been trying to work out what I'm needing to say , totally fog...
Sweetpea1157 profile image

Advice please

My recent blood results were TSH 4.29 & FT4 16.1 I am taking 50mcg levothyroxine and have been for...
Eng2000 profile image

Moderation team

See all
SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator
helvella profile image
helvellaAdministrator
PurpleNails profile image
PurpleNailsAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.