Should I reduce my levothyroxine?

[JBL312]

My latest results show that I'm overmedicated. I'm currently on 150mg of levothyroxine and 31.5mcg of t3. I don't feel overmedicated. My bowels are usually an indication that im over, but im still getting my usual sluggish bowel. I'm a little tired but I'm menopausal too. Should I reduce anything or just leave it? Many thanks

[greygoose]

My latest results show that I'm overmedicated.

No, they don't actually show that. They show that your FT4 result is over the top of the so-called 'normal' range, and the TSH is below range. But, the TSH is bound to be low/suppressed when taking all that T3. Your FT3 is still inside the range, and some people just need it that high.

That said, I don't think I would want my FT4 that high. That does affect some people adversely, even if they don't feel the classic signs of over-medication. And you probably don't need all that T4 given that you are taking a substantial dose of T3. So, if it were me, I'd try reducing the levo and see how I felt six weeks later.

[JBL312 in reply to greygoose]

Thank you for your response. Should I reduce by 25mg?

[helvella Administrator in reply to JBL312]

You need to be careful with your units!

Both T4 and T3 are almost always discussed and dosed in micrograms (mcg) - not milligrams (mg).

Most here will understand but really does help to get it right when involved with doctors.

[Jaydee1507 Administrator]

For a combination dose you are on relatively high amounts of both Levo & T3.

Assuming that you left 24hrs from the last Levo dose & 8-12hrs for T3 prior to blood test and stopped any biotin containing supplements for 3-5 before then I would suggest a dose reduction of Levo initially and see where that takes you with bloods in 6-8 weeks time.

[Bearo]

You asked: Should I reduce by 25mg?

I’m not on combined therapy so I’m not really in a position to answer but for those on Levo only the answer is usually that a reduction of 12.5mcg is best, and see what that’s like.

I had results identical to yours - but on Levo only. I reduced by 12.5mcg and my frees came down to a better reading.