Synthroid Dosage And Tsh Level Posts

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Questions and Answers

Synthroid - Question About Dosage..... thyroid levels?? Please help.? A little bit of background - have been on Synthroid since.... 2004. I was forced to take Lithium as a teenager and it pretty much destroyed my Thyroid. Anyhow, in 2004, I started out on a .125 dosage, which was apparently working out fine until earlier this year. They upped me to .137, and then a month later to .150. NOW, they want to up me to .175..... this has all happened within a few months and I am a little bit leery over upping it again, as it just seems like a lot in such a short amount of time. I am 29 years old. Female. I am 5'11" and about 170-175 lbs. I don't know how much of that matters.... BUT. Currently....well, my LAST levels, taken a few weeks ago were: TSH - 3.35. T4 - 9.8 T3 - 128. I was told on the phone by the nurse that the TSH is the only one that's not too good & that I need to be concerned with. She tried to scare me by saying that if I don't go start taking those .175s, I could end up with a nodule in my thyroid eventually, etc etc. She also said the TSH level should be around 1. Is this correct?? She told me it's different for everyone. I don't like this clinic. They are very negligent and I don't trust them. I am switching to a new clinic next week..... but I just wanted some feedback..... thanks & God Bless. ALSO.... the reason I am so worried about them continually (and quickly!!) upping my dosage is that.... there can be bad side effects from a high dose of Synthroid.... respiratory, muscle aches, etc. I don't want them to mess me up any worse. :( I'm already going to have to take this stuff for the rest of my life. :(

cbrdgt. replied: "Do you have your reference ranges from your lab? My lab normal TSH is .4-4.0, so that would put you in the normal range. What is the reason for wanting your TSH to be around 1? That is a lot of dose changes in a short time frame, but you are not the first to have to do that. Some people experience no adverse symptoms when they are upped a dose, but others do. I can tell you from personal experience (I have thyroid cancer and am overly suppressed on purpose) that too much Synthroid can make your life living hell (not enough can too)!! If you are feeling good on your current dose (or your last dose), say you want to stay on it...these doctors work for you. You should go to another place if you are unhappy with them. God Bless!"

Chocolate Chip Meringue replied: "Hi. Unfortunately, none of us can comment on your T3 and T4 because you didn't give ranges, and ranges can be different from lab facility to lab facility. But your TSH is, in fact, too high, and getting lower as she is suggesting can be beneficial. But the real question is: how do you feel?? Any lingering symptoms of hypo? Here's a list of patient-reported symptoms for those who have been on Synthroid, no matter how high they raise it: Notice any symptoms?? If you do notice any, raising Synthroid, even if lowering the TSH, will do nothing for you. Here's why: And by the way, we also can't tell if they did the right T4 and T3. They need to be the FREE T3 and FREE T4: Read all the links above and then you may have better information to know what to do. They come from a patient-to-patient website."

I had a blood test and my TSH level is 5.2-I take 150mcg of synthroid-will my dose get increased? My doc wants to do an ultra sound type test on my thyroid (did one a couple of years ago)-he said not to get alarmed-might have to adjust my dosage-otherwise I feel pretty good.

knicname replied: "You will have to wait 2-3 months till this dose takes affect & your MD retests your thyroid. Besides TSH, your MD should also take blood for Free T3; Free T4; Calculated T3; Calculated T4. Good luck"

DNA replied: "With a TSH of 5.2 your doctor should be increasing your Synthroid dosage. Once on treatment for hypothyroidism, the morning TSH should be under 2.0, more like closer to 1.0."

I have a tsh level of 2.71 I have absolutely every sign of hypothyroid,? I have been absolutely exhausted the past while, I am extremely cold ALL the time, the latest is that my hair is falling out in handfuls. When I do the tests on line, I am thru the charts with having hypothyroid. It runs in my family majorily. My mom, aunts, grandmother etc. all have it and having to be on meds. My question is basically, The doctor started my out with Synthroid .025 mg Everyone seems to say this is extremely low dosage. Nothing has changed with my symptoms. How long does it normally take for it to start to work properly. I am so tired of feeling this way. I have been battling this for a lot of years and finally they are trying me on a medication. I am basically looking to find out what normal levels are and what a good dosage is. I have 3 kids that depend on me and I feel like I can't even make it thru the day with all the symptoms. Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

mellybeanpsu replied: "When I was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism I had a TSH of 8.14. I had all the signs that you did, hair was falling out, exhausted all the time, freezing always! They started me out with .05mg of Synthroid, after about a month and a half I started feeling better. But a year or so later my TSH started to climb again and they upped my dosage to .075mg. The dosage depends on the person, my endocrinologist warned me that it would take a few months and perhaps some trial and error before I got the right dosage, but I have been on .75mg for a few years and been fine. As for normal TSH levels, it depends on the lab. Some doctors won't give medicine until your TSH is higher than 5, unless your T3 and T4 are looking out of whack too. But I have read on some sites that they really should start treating for hypothyroidism when the TSH goes above 2.00. Hope this helps, it sucks feeling so bad, but it really does get better!"

Windy replied: "You could ask your doctor to change your medication to natural Armour thyroid, which contains both T3 and T4. Many people feel a lot better...and faster...when they take Armour. Many doctors are sold on prescribing Synthroid or meds like it, but if you explain that you need to feel better soon and that you'd like to try Armour, I hope he/she would be willing to let you at least take it on a trial basis. If the doctor doesn't comply, I'd suggest finding another who is more open-minded. Good luck!"

DNA replied: "The problem could be the TSH test or the Synthroid. The TSH is a lousy test because TSH changes throughout the day. When having this test, it needs to be done first thing in the morning only. The goal when on T4 (Synthroid) is to have the morning TSH around 1.0 Another problem could be the Synthroid. For some people, a side effect is hairloss. You may be one of these people. Another problem still could be you aren't converting T4 into T3. To find out have a free t3 test. It should be at least midrange. If it isn't, then you may feel better on a T4/T3 med like Armour. I've been on Armour for 5 years now and almost every symptom is gone, except for ridged fingernails and cold feet at night, but I can live with that. Before I had almost every textbook symptom."

beth n replied: "25 mg is the average dose for synthroid. it unfortunately takes about 2 weeks to a month before you actually see results from taking this drug. if it has been longer than this you might want to consider asking your doctor to increase your dosage because you may need more than the average dose for awhile until your thyroid function is better."

Why is my T4 level high when my diagnosis is Hypothyroidism? I havd been Hypothyroid for 11 years. I was stable on a dose of 125 mcg of Synthroid for about 6 or 7 years, then my dose needed to be decreased to 112 mcg. My does of 112 mcg was stable for about 4 or 5 years, now all of the sudden I am once again in a hyperthyroid state. My TSH level was 0.01 uIU/mL, my T4 was 1.72 ng/dL, and my White Blood Cell Count was 4,100 (may/may not be related). My doctor lowered my dose to 100 mcg. I think that I was under a great deal fo stress both times when the dosages needed to be lowered. When I asked why my dose needed to be lowered my doctor said that I must be making my thyroid hormone now than I was previously. Is this possible, or could their be another answer? I am not totally satisfied with my doctor's answer.

bi chick23 replied: "Your doctor is right.....when prescribing thyroid medications the numbers work opposite...."

The Ultimate Answer Guaranteed replied: "hmm...interesting. your body must be reproducing more T4 cells for some reason, probably a viral infection? This is difficult to diagnose but from what you included I would have to say that your thyroid gland is producing more because you might have some antigens in your blood. Making more thyroid hormone...sounds possible."

DNA replied: "T4 is often elevated because you are taking a T4 medication. Yes, its possible that your thyroid is making more hormone now. I think I'd want to know if the T4 its making is usable and if its converting to T3. To find this out, get a free t4 and free t3. Always test in the morning, as that's the only way to get an accurate TSH and Free t4."

no_frills replied: "I believe as you get age your body needs less thyroid hormones. The dose of levothyroxine that an individual requires is dependent partly upon body weight, age, and sex. Patients who weigh more require higher doses, while elderly patients require considerably less hormone."

TSH (Thyroid) Level is too high? I have been dealing with my thyroid level for awhile now. My regular doctor started me on synthroid hoping that it would get my level back to normal..but it didn't. He then sent me to have a ultra sound done of my thyroid and it came bk showing that it was enlarged. He then sent me to a endocrinologist. That doctor increased my dosage from 50 to 250 and then told me to go have my thyroid level checked again in 6 wks. Well i had it checked and it has more than doubled (for the bad) what it was to begin with. I am very frustrated and confused! Anyone have any suggestions??

Lisa A replied: "You have to keep repeating this cycle - test, adjust dosage, test, adjust dosage, repeat. At least every 6 weeks until your levels are stable and you are symptom free. Then you can gradually cut back to testing every 6 months. You are having the wrong blood test, BTW. It's common for doctors to do this, but wrong. The tests that you need are Free T3 and free T4."

vamp replied: "I dont know what is the value of your tsh but i have seen >150 where as the normal limit is 0.30- 5.5.you have no other way than to go to another endocrinologist and adjust your dosage .perhaps it will take some time but it will definitely come back to normal.But you have to take your medicine lifelong with change dosage through test"

Synthroid for Hypothyroidism? I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism 15 years ago (I am now 26 years old) and had surgery to completely remove my thyroid 9 years ago. I've been taking synthroid all along and have been doing well on it. For the past 2 years, I've been taking 100 MCG one time daily. I just received my 6 month check up and my doctor said that TSH level is at 3.09, and she said that people with hypothyroidism tend to do better/feel better with a TSH level between 1 and 2, so she is putting my dosage at 125 MCG daily. I have a hard time understanding the dosages with this. What causes the TSH level to change if my thyroid is completely gone? Does this mean my doc is INCREASing my dosage, or DECREASing my dosage? As regards to weight/metabolism, is this going to mean that I may have a harder time losing weight now, or an easier time? My previous dose of 100 MCG, did that mean that I was getting TOO MUCH synthroid, or TOO LITTLE? Thanks!! I'm just trying to understand this all.

Me replied: "TSH is a funny little thing to understand. It stands for Thyroid Stimulating Hormone. If your body isn't getting enough thyroxine (what synthroid replaces), TSH levels go up in order to stimulate the thyroid to make more thyroid hormone. Obviously, it doesn't do anything in your case, but the level is still useful to see how well the synthroid is doing. If the synthroid is too low, your TSH will go up. In order to reduce the TSH level, you need to increase your dosage of synthroid, and reduce the body's need to make more. You may need more synthroid if you've gained weight, etc. As a bonus, this will make it slightly easier to lose weight."

mbestevez replied: "She increased your dose, from 100 to 125 mg of Synthyroid. Hormones are delicate, and are balanced by other hormones. Thyroid axis goes as follows: Hypothalamus produces TRH or thyrotropin release hormone Hypophysis produces TSH, thyroid stimulating hormone or thyrothropin Thyroid produces Thyroxin and T3. So, if the levels are too low, the hypophysis increases its TSH to stimulate the thyroid. As you have not thyroid gland, you should take an increased TSH level as a signal that your "body feels it is not enough and wants more thyroid hormones". So the dr increased it. Hypophysis would reduce its TSH to show "go on that way" with a normal level of TSH."

DNA replied: "Your doctor is correct about that the TSH should be below 2.0. You are lucky to have this doctor, as far too many doctors leave their patients at higher TSH levels and then prescribe additional meds to help with the other symptoms that would have been resolved if the doctor just gave them more thyroid meds. You don't say why your thyroid was removed. If it was because of cancer, then you need to have your TSH below 1.0 to suppress cancer cells from coming back. Your doctor is increasing your dosage. It could be because of the time of day you previously tested that you were on a lower dose. It could be because of the pituitary sensing mechanism. TSH is not a thyroid hormone, but a pituitary hormone. When you test, TSH should always be done in the morning and first thing. The reason, TSH is highest while we sleep and upon rising it goes down. By 2PM its at its lowest point. I highly recommend that a free t4 and free t3 be done with the TSH. These are actual amounts of thyroid hormones in the blood available for use. These levels should be at least midrange. Below is a good thyroid site"

If you're taking "Synthroid"...? Have you ever had problems with your heart racing/adding a beat while on "Synthroid" and did adjusting the dosage amount help? I've had a Cardiologist check me for any heart problems last year and they say everything is normal also my blood pressure is always "normal", but I've just started having extra heart beats (seems to be stronger after taking my Synthroid)... When I called my Thyroid doctors office, they just tell me to go to my Cardiologist. Why won't they just send me to get my blood drawn for my TSH level, which I'm strongly thinking it is. I'm sick of being sent from doctor to doctor and learning nothing new and paying out all this $$$. Why do doctors think we are made out of money? Is there any Thyroid support groups that you know of? Thanks in advance for any helpful advice...

bmac replied: "Just kinda thinking out loud......if you are on Synthroid, you have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism, right? Maybe you are on too much and you are now hyperthyroid--too fast. That would really raise your BP and heart rate. Call your doctor and get that TSH level done asap. Or get a new doctor."

macosby2003 replied: "A curious situation. You may be reacting to an inert ingredient. You may want to try levothyroxin instead. Also, I'd make a list of the inert ingredients in case you're reacting to one of them. If you have a similar reaction down the road, look at the inert ingredients of THAT medication. If you find the same or very similar ingredients, you've identified the culprit that is causing the reaction. Yes, some doctors think we're made out of $$. You're combatting that by trying to get informed about your situation in other ways ;-) No idea on support groups, your doctor may know..."

Michelle : replied: "I would have the TSH levels checked again, your level could be too high. My heart races when my levels are too high. If your current Dr doesnt want to do that........ go to another Dr. Good luck to you!! Take care"

BAR replied: "I have typre1 diabetes and hypothyroidism. When ever my dose of synthroid needs to be incressed I will have an anyxious feeling. But after a few days its fine. My TSH is still in the 6"s and 7"s so I know that it is not because the dose is too strong. Then 6 weeks later i'll take a stronger dose. I've done that for years. It may be time to find a new endocrinologist. My endocrinologist never ups my synthroid with out testing my tsh levels first."

dragonkisses replied: "Side effects of synthroid include palpitations and tachycardia. These effects r indicative that the dose is too high. Go to ur dr and demand a TSH level."

Jemima replied: "I thought I'd see what I could find online for you. This is an awesome site and may provide good info about support groups: And here is some more general info about side effects: What are the possible side effects of levothyroxine? • Stop using levothyroxine and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. • Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects: · headache; · sleep problems (insomnia); · nervous or irritable feeling; · fever, hot flashes, sweating; · changes in your menstrual periods; · appetite changes, weight changes; • Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. You may experience mild hair loss. Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. What other drugs will affect levothyroxine? • The following drugs may cause medical problems if you use them with levothyroxine: lithium, amiodarone, or antidepressants. Tell your doctor if you have recently received radiation therapy with iodine (such as I-131). • There are many other drugs not listed that can affect levothyroxine. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor. • Certain medicines can be continued, but they may make levothyroxine less effective if taken at the same time. If you use any of the following drugs, use them at least 4 hours before or 4 hours after you take levothyroxine: · calcium carbonate (Caltrate, Citracal, Oystercal, and others); · ferrous sulfate iron supplement; · sucralfate (Carafate); · sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate, Kionex, and others); · antacids that contain aluminum (Amphojel, Gaviscon, Maalox, Mylanta, Riopan, Rulox, Tums, and others); and · cholesterol-lowering drugs cholestyramine (Questran) and colestipol (Colestid). Here is a big list of thyroid support groups around the US:"

Zh replied: "If so happens that you are either of Any Europeans country by origins, We would assume that you have higher converstion rate on the dollars, or poundster or deutchmarks or franc, or euro for that matter,regardless of color, race, origin and purpose of yer stay. thats and nothing more. History class doesn't nexecarily improves on anybody into thinking of whatsoever could might've done on previous generations,especialy here in ASIA, should you are happens to had lived 'HERE', no special conotation there either. But,as always, these words,as some would say, would have any indication of anything Paradise, as time and space could might've been overruled and dismiss either. Synthroid,or any other supposedly good medicine, such as that of 'Soma', 'Sema', Morphin, Canabis Sativa L (CSL), and the likes, could only give ones a temporary releve of such a pressure, I had somehow overcome 'em, but tobacco could somewhat neutralizes such a pain of growing old, or the "get the job welldone,or thing to design your own working days while completing your education, and gains or makes more would be clients while doing so", could be a heavy preassure, may be so. Or even to search for a similarly community that would go along with you, while also you had to be aware of any competing and or rivalry attacks on your doin', while, ofcourse you would have to reatin anything you already got,regardless. I had to admit, there weren't any clubs or groups with medicine users of existence around in my place, please be carefull, Never Get Into U.F.O/Any Other Natural phenomenal conversations,unless you had read somethings either Jehezkiel in Bible somewhere, or Zulkifli on the Quran. There are uncertaint thing in this area that has 'special' interests on this 'Subject', and it tends to deceives eitherway. a lema. Could might've been Lemuria all along then ? Spam vs Scam idee ?"

Anyone had problems taking Synthroid? I have been on it two years with increasing dosages every three months because mine won't regulate. My current TSH level is 11.83. I was previously diagnosed with Grave's Disease in 05 and given radioactive iodine because my symptoms were life-threatening and now I am hypothyroid.

gangadharan_nair replied: "Levothyroxine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away: * weight loss * tremor * headache * upset stomach * vomiting * diarrhea * stomach cramps * nervousness * irritability * insomnia * excessive sweating * increased appetite * fever * changes in menstrual cycle * sensitivity to heat * temporary hair loss, particularly in children during the first month of therapy If you experience either of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately: * chest pain (angina) * rapid or irregular heartbeat or pulse Please see the web pages for more details on Levothyroxine (generic name) Synthroid (brand name)."

chickadee_ajm replied: "I thought for a minute you were talking about me...I had the exact same thing. Diagnosed hyper, given RAI and became hypo. Then went through every dosage of Synthroid to finally find one that is correct. I also went back every 3 months until we found it. I am currently on 150 I have never had any side effects or problems, the only thing was I started taking it at night because I wanted to take my vitamins in the morning ( and you aren't supposed to take vitamins at the same tim as it will affect the absorption of it) anyway, turns out it was causing me a lot of sleeping problems. So I switched back to mornings and haven't had any problems."

DNA replied: "Make sure that you are always taking a first thing in the morning TSH. TSH changes throughout the day being at its lowest point around 2PM. You want to test while its near its highest point to get the proper dosage. For most, the morning TSH needs to be around 1.0 to feel well on T4. If at 1.0 and there are still symptoms, it may suggest that you need both T4 and T4 like in the medicatio Armour."

How do you lose weight with hypothyroidism and you are currently taking 112mcg of Synthroid? I was on a dosage of 125 mcg, but that was found to be too high of a dosage. Now that it's been lower, it appears as though I've gained weight overnight. But my T3 and T4 levels were in the normal range with my TSH only being considered slightly elevated by .08. I feel sluggish, blotted, and my face feels funny all the time. Also, my heart skips irregularly frequently. I live in the south and cannot bear the heat. I start sweating the minute I walk outside.

tiffany p replied: "I have hypo and have had it for 11years. I just now started to lose weight. Not because of diet and exercise lord knows i have been threw programs. It is all due to a change in lifestyle and mind set"

Cheryl L replied: "PLEASE read this article: and get alternative health help including the article's suggestions."

uncw shelley replied: "I think I have hypothyroidism...the doctor said that my thyroid gland just wasn't working altogether. So far I've lost 25 lbs. in 2 months and I'm on 75 mcg of Synthroid. He is pondering upping the doseage to which I hope would help me lose even more weight...and faster. I stay hot even in cold places and used to be totally cold natured. You may need to be checked for diabetes. I also have that. The sluggish feeling could be associated with low blood sugar! Hope my answer helped you! Good luck!"

Yvonne replied: "I have hypothyroidism too but once they got my dosage right I started to lose weight slowly. I am not sure why you feel sluggish unless they still need to adjust your dose. As far as the irregular heartbeat you should really discuss that with a doctor because if it is not healthy to have that happen all the time. Hope this helps. Also get a second opinion because it took me 3 years and alot of different meds I didn't need before they diagnosed me correctly."

sunshine_today replied: "intolerance to heat is one of those things that goes along with being hypo. I have it, too, and I can and will break out in hives if in the heat too long. I don't think it matters what your dosage is for that--it's just a fact of life if you have a bum thyroid. I am losing weight, but not as fast as "normal" people. try cutting down on carbs, it seems to be helping me along with steady exercise and a better diet. I did lose about 35 pounds quite easily when my medication was adjusted (up), but then I have plateaued for about 5 months and it's been a battle to lose 7 pounds in that time. Just keep plugging away."

My GP told me I have a hypothyroidism, however I have no symptoms. She has put me on synthroid? The dosage is very low. I'm supposed to get my blood checked in a few weeks. My TSH level was 13.8. She has been watching it go up every year for the past 3 years but finally said it was too high now. I'm just wondering if i have this hypothyroidism why no symptoms. Anyone else have this.

susieq replied: "This happened to a friend of mine and she gained 100 pounds in little over a year. Turned out that she wasn't getting enough iodine in her diet because her Dr. told her that salt was bad. She went back to eating iodized salt on her food. Lost the weight and didn't have a thyroid problem."

saved_by_grace replied: "Symptoms of hypothyroidism usually develop slowly over months or years. You are probably in the early stages. Symptoms and signs may include: Coarse and thinning hair. Dry skin. Brittle nails. A yellowish tint to the skin. Slow body movements. Cold skin. Inability to tolerate cold. Feeling tired, sluggish, or weak. Memory problems, depression, or difficulty concentrating. Constipation. Heavy or irregular menstrual periods that may last longer than 5 to 7 days. Other, less common symptoms may include: An enlarged thyroid gland (goiter). Modest weight gain, often 10 lb (4.5 kg) or less. Swelling of the arms, hands, legs, and feet, and facial puffiness, particularly around the eyes. Hoarseness. Muscle aches and cramps. In general, the severity of your symptoms depends on your age, how long you have had hypothyroidism, and the seriousness of the condition. The symptoms may be so mild and develop so slowly that they go unnoticed for years. The older you are, the more likely you are to notice symptoms."

Paul replied: "The symptoms aren't always obvious. But they will put a toll on your body over a period of time, if you do not use the medication."

yakkydoc replied: "There is a feedback system for thyroid hormones. When production is low, the pituitary gland secretes more TSH. This stimulates the thyroid gland to secrete more hormones.This can cause the thyroid gland to increase in size, producing a goitre. Taking thyroid hormone can prevent this."

inspiredbyme replied: "I had no symptoms with hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. I was hyperthyroidic in my teens and twenties for 8 years and was so bad off that when they finally figured out what it was, I was put on thyroid reduction meds AND a heart attack medication. When my thyroid started dying, it was only found by a routine blood test, being done ironically enough to ensure the hyper thyroid did not come back. I had no symptoms there either. Those symptoms they list are just common ones. If you read any long text about hypothyroidism, it also says that many people evidence no symptoms, that they are asymptomatic. It happens to more people than one would think."

Dnarose replied: "With a TSH of 13.8 you are hypothyroid. I'm surprised you aren't having symptoms. It took me a long time to get diagnosed. My TSH didn't get high until my symptoms were severe. I started on Levoxyl, then went to Levoxyl with Cytomel, and now I'm on Armour. I feel so much better on Armour. Below is one thyroid site I found very useful when I got diagnosed."