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What Causes Elevation In TSH Levels Despite Being On Levothyroxine?
Question: I have stopped taking the hypothyroid medicine, levothyroxine 75mcg, because it makes me feel tired and "out of it". My GP says my TSH levels fell into line after taking it for a month. I am a 65 year old male, generally in good health. I switched to a supplement, Iodine Plus-2, as an experiment but it hasn't helped. My TSH level has been increasing slightly over the last couple of years.
Question- being a male and feeling worse with levothyroxine should I question the diagnosis?
Question- being a male and feeling worse with levothyroxine should I question the diagnosis?
Brief Answer:
Suspicious of Hypocortisolism
Detailed Answer:
Good day,
Noted your concern.
I would like to know your initial TSH at diagnosis. If your TSH is rising while off levothyroxine, the diagnosis of hypothyroidism is clear. However, the tiredness after taking levothyroxine need to be addressed. It may be a hint towards underlying adrenal insufficiency ( low cortisol levels). Hence it may be prudent to discuss this with your doctor and get an 8 AM serum cortisol done.
If your thyroid follicular cells are dysfunctional, then there is no point taking Iodine supplementation . Because your thyroid cells will not be able to process them like the normal thyroid cells do.
Regards
Binu
Suspicious of Hypocortisolism
Detailed Answer:
Good day,
Noted your concern.
I would like to know your initial TSH at diagnosis. If your TSH is rising while off levothyroxine, the diagnosis of hypothyroidism is clear. However, the tiredness after taking levothyroxine need to be addressed. It may be a hint towards underlying adrenal insufficiency ( low cortisol levels). Hence it may be prudent to discuss this with your doctor and get an 8 AM serum cortisol done.
If your thyroid follicular cells are dysfunctional, then there is no point taking Iodine supplementation . Because your thyroid cells will not be able to process them like the normal thyroid cells do.
Regards
Binu
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I will follow up with my doctor and provide you with the initial factors. thank you This condition is having a real negative affect on my life
Brief Answer:
Welcome
Detailed Answer:
You are welcome to discuss the details with me later . When you meet your doctor next time, please mention about the increasing "tiredness" after starting levothyroxine and the need of screening an 8 AM serum cortisol level as well.
Welcome
Detailed Answer:
You are welcome to discuss the details with me later . When you meet your doctor next time, please mention about the increasing "tiredness" after starting levothyroxine and the need of screening an 8 AM serum cortisol level as well.
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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