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Should Dose Of Synthroid Be Increased While Suffering From Weight Gain And Depression

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Posted on Tue, 28 Jul 2015
Question: Hi, i just had a blood test today to check my TSH level, because Ivalready have hypothyroidism, the level is 2.2... I take synthroid 0.05mg already. Is it normal ??? Because i feel tired all the time, i gain weight and even not eat, îm depressed,etc.... Can i take a littoe bit more synthroid to feel better, and how much ???
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Thyroid

Detailed Answer:
I am sorry to learn about how you feel.

Your TSH is quite ok on the 0.05 mg dose of synthroid. So when I see someone like you in my practice with a TSH like this, I typically do not recommend any dose changes.

However I do aim for a TSH closer to 1 as much as possible with few exceptions such as elderly or those with heart problems or osteoporosis.

I tend to order a TSH along with a Free T4 blood test to give me a better idea as to whether or not dose changes are appropriate.

So I suggest the next time you have a TSH checked, request your doctor to consider ordering a Free T4 as well.

I try to keep the Free T4 closer to the upper end of the normal range for the laboratory's reference range.

So at the moment, it does not seem worthwhile to increase the synthroid dose to help you feel better.

But see if you can get an appointment with an endocrinologist in person, to discuss the thyroid in detail. And also meet your primary care physician to explore other reasons for your current symptoms.
Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Shehzad Topiwala

Endocrinologist

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 1663 Questions

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Should Dose Of Synthroid Be Increased While Suffering From Weight Gain And Depression

Brief Answer: Thyroid Detailed Answer: I am sorry to learn about how you feel. Your TSH is quite ok on the 0.05 mg dose of synthroid. So when I see someone like you in my practice with a TSH like this, I typically do not recommend any dose changes. However I do aim for a TSH closer to 1 as much as possible with few exceptions such as elderly or those with heart problems or osteoporosis. I tend to order a TSH along with a Free T4 blood test to give me a better idea as to whether or not dose changes are appropriate. So I suggest the next time you have a TSH checked, request your doctor to consider ordering a Free T4 as well. I try to keep the Free T4 closer to the upper end of the normal range for the laboratory's reference range. So at the moment, it does not seem worthwhile to increase the synthroid dose to help you feel better. But see if you can get an appointment with an endocrinologist in person, to discuss the thyroid in detail. And also meet your primary care physician to explore other reasons for your current symptoms.