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Suggest Ways To Maintain Normal TSH Range While On Synthroid

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Posted on Tue, 15 Sep 2015
Question: I'm currently taking Synthryroid 125mg for my hypothyroidism. I was diagnosed in 2008 with hyperthyroidism & Graves disease. I haven't been consistently been able to keep my TSH in a normal range perhaps because I've tried a lot of different thyroid medicines (natural & synthetic).

My concern lately is that I'm tired a lot and I've been unable to lose weight even with a healthy diet and working out consistently at the gym. What hormones should I have the Endocrinologist test for to see if that's the problem? see attached lab report and should I be concerned that my T3 IS AT THE LOWER END OF THE SCALE? I REALIZE IT'S STILL IN A NORMAL RANGE
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Thyroid

Detailed Answer:
Sorry to note the issues you are experiencing in order to regulate your thyroid.

When you mention Synthroid 125 mg, I am sure it is a typo for mcg.

I see you were diagnosed with Graves disease and hyperthyroidism in 2008. Considering you are now on Synthroid, I would like to know if you underwent some definitive treatment for the Graves such as radio active iodine treatment or surgery? Or did it just spontaneously remit i.e. become normal while taking medication for it such as Methimazole? And sometimes in these situations it does convert to 'hypothyroidism' too which is what you have now i.e. an under active thyroid.

It is not very difficult for an endocrinologist to control your thyroid status properly. Yes I have taken note of the fact that you dabbled in various forms of thyroid medication and that certainly can result in inconsistent results.

At this point your thyroid laboratory results look fine. When I see someone like you in my practice I advise them to continue the same dose of 125 mcg and once TSH and Free T4 remain in the target range for couple times, I only check their labs once a year.
The general goal for TSH is 0.4 to 2.5 while keeping the Free T4 close to the upper limit of normal.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (26 minutes later)
Thank you for your answer and to answer your question I did have a radioactive iodine treatment so I'm hypo now. I think I feel best when my T3 IS AT the upper range of optimal....any thoughts on how to get my levels higher?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Follow up

Detailed Answer:
I understand what you are saying but current guidelines by thyroid expert associations recommend going by TSH and Free T4 only.
It is not currently advised to follow T3 levels
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (5 minutes later)
okay....thank you
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (6 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Best wishes

Detailed Answer:
for good health
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
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Shehzad Topiwala

Endocrinologist

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 1663 Questions

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Suggest Ways To Maintain Normal TSH Range While On Synthroid

Brief Answer: Thyroid Detailed Answer: Sorry to note the issues you are experiencing in order to regulate your thyroid. When you mention Synthroid 125 mg, I am sure it is a typo for mcg. I see you were diagnosed with Graves disease and hyperthyroidism in 2008. Considering you are now on Synthroid, I would like to know if you underwent some definitive treatment for the Graves such as radio active iodine treatment or surgery? Or did it just spontaneously remit i.e. become normal while taking medication for it such as Methimazole? And sometimes in these situations it does convert to 'hypothyroidism' too which is what you have now i.e. an under active thyroid. It is not very difficult for an endocrinologist to control your thyroid status properly. Yes I have taken note of the fact that you dabbled in various forms of thyroid medication and that certainly can result in inconsistent results. At this point your thyroid laboratory results look fine. When I see someone like you in my practice I advise them to continue the same dose of 125 mcg and once TSH and Free T4 remain in the target range for couple times, I only check their labs once a year. The general goal for TSH is 0.4 to 2.5 while keeping the Free T4 close to the upper limit of normal.