Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
How Often Is It Safe To Increase Thyroid Medication?
Question: My doctor will not refer me to an Endocrinologist so I have questions. How often is it safe to increase thyroid medication? My TSh was 7.8 and I was taking 75 I jumped on 75 more but I think it will not be as low as 2 rather 4.2 again (its where I have been held at and It could have been lower. My pituitary gland behind the hypothalamus was damage and not function since 2000. I have gained 85 pounds while eating healthy and working out.
Brief Answer:
I need your serum T4 levels too??
Detailed Answer:
Welcome XXXX!
I am sorry to read about your health worries, but, I am here to take care of all of this in a proper way.
In patients receiving Thyroxine, I usually change the dosage every 6-8 weeks until the patient’s TSH is in the target range. After that onwards, patient is examined every 6months to see the TSH levels. Its the recommended way to titrate the dosage.
You told your pituitary gland is non functional, So In patients with central (ie, pituitary or hypothalamic) hypothyroidism, like you , T4 levels rather than TSH levels are used to guide treatment. In most cases, the free T4 level should be kept in the upper third of the reference range.
In your age group, a bit higher TSH level is also acceptable as a reference range.
You are on the best treatment available. We just have to keep things in limits, by adjusting the dosage.
Please add your T4; free T4 levels too. It will be best if you attach your thyroid profile with the question or write it down for me in question.
I am waiting to listen from you.
Regards!
DR. HANIF XXXXXXX USA
I need your serum T4 levels too??
Detailed Answer:
Welcome XXXX!
I am sorry to read about your health worries, but, I am here to take care of all of this in a proper way.
In patients receiving Thyroxine, I usually change the dosage every 6-8 weeks until the patient’s TSH is in the target range. After that onwards, patient is examined every 6months to see the TSH levels. Its the recommended way to titrate the dosage.
You told your pituitary gland is non functional, So In patients with central (ie, pituitary or hypothalamic) hypothyroidism, like you , T4 levels rather than TSH levels are used to guide treatment. In most cases, the free T4 level should be kept in the upper third of the reference range.
In your age group, a bit higher TSH level is also acceptable as a reference range.
You are on the best treatment available. We just have to keep things in limits, by adjusting the dosage.
Please add your T4; free T4 levels too. It will be best if you attach your thyroid profile with the question or write it down for me in question.
I am waiting to listen from you.
Regards!
DR. HANIF XXXXXXX USA
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
My doctor has not run a T4, T3 level test ever. I will ask her about it.
Brief Answer:
Yes go for a complete thyroid profile.
Detailed Answer:
I warmly Welcome you back XXXX!
Thanks for consulting me again, and complying by the suggestions aforementioned. Yes you should ask the physician for complete thyroid profile. I wish you best of health.
Hope it helped you today. If you need further, detailed and quick assistance related to any health issues, feel free to 'ask me a question' directly from my profile.
You can also attach Lab reports and pictures directly from the question window, or by emailing it to YYYY@YYYY with the Subject as, Attention: Dr. Muhammad Hanif, and the lab reports and images will directly reach my inbox for review.
May you get very well soon and have a wonderful time ahead. Please don't forget to give your valuable feedback and five star rating, to help me assist you in a better way in future too. Please, write a review about your experience with me.
Regards!
DR. HANIF
XXXXXXX USA
Yes go for a complete thyroid profile.
Detailed Answer:
I warmly Welcome you back XXXX!
Thanks for consulting me again, and complying by the suggestions aforementioned. Yes you should ask the physician for complete thyroid profile. I wish you best of health.
Hope it helped you today. If you need further, detailed and quick assistance related to any health issues, feel free to 'ask me a question' directly from my profile.
You can also attach Lab reports and pictures directly from the question window, or by emailing it to YYYY@YYYY with the Subject as, Attention: Dr. Muhammad Hanif, and the lab reports and images will directly reach my inbox for review.
May you get very well soon and have a wonderful time ahead. Please don't forget to give your valuable feedback and five star rating, to help me assist you in a better way in future too. Please, write a review about your experience with me.
Regards!
DR. HANIF
XXXXXXX USA
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
