I was chatting to my dad on Sunday and he can access all his blood results. He was telling me they have just reduced his levo from 100mcg a day to 75-100 alternative days. I asked what his TSH was and he said 5.2 (0.2-4.4) he is 82! Can anyone think of a feasible reason they are keeping his TSH so high?
Oh and his T4 was 12 just under the reference range!
There's this false belief going round that 'old' people have naturally higher TSH levels, and the medical profession has jumped on that as an excuse to under-treat older people. There was a study done that found this to be so, but only by a couple of points - not even over 2, if my memory serves me right. But there are no studies saying that older people naturally have under-range FT4! So, that is unacceptable. Can you go with him next time he sees his doctor?
greygoose the difference in the median is barely .5 over the years, took this screenshot of a study but can’t find the original link. And that’s euthyroid anyway.
Pixielula I would fight to get his tsh and free ts into a level just like you’d do for yourself at any age.
Unacceptable.
Suggest you go with him to GP and argue/politely push for dose INCREASE in Levo
Also request they test his vitamin D, folate, B12 and ferritin levels
He is making an app to see his doctor to discuss this, I live in wales he lives in Dawlish! I was quite shocked at his TSH but was trying to figure if this might be different for older people…..
Only if trying to get DIAGNOSED
Once on Levothyroxine dose should be high enough to maintain TSH BELOW 2 and Ft4 at least 50-60% through range
If on inadequate dose likely to have low vitamin levels as direct result
Treatment should be an agreement between you and your doctor, not to be imposed on you. Has your Dad been told why they have changed his levo?
Has your Dad had full thyroid tests to include TSH, T4 and T3? Only available privately I'm afraid, the NHS labs seldom test T3. TSH varies during the day so his readings could be inaccurate.
I'm 85 and I take much the same levo and liothyronine as I have for years, certainly not reduced due to my age. Other than that I take supplements advised by a nutritionist and I know what my food intolerances are and avoid any problem foods. Nutritional needs can vary as we get older. I have refused statins (with some pressure from doctors).
TSH level
TSH
TSH 43, no thyroid 
Tsh Level 
