HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes Elevated TSH Levels Despite Taking Levothyroxine?

Hello. I am 80 years old and have been on thyroid meds for hypothyroidism since I was about 21. Through the years it has been adjusted. Recently I had a lab test on my TSH. It was 10.330 and was supposed to be 0.450-4.500. My doctor put me on a dosage of 125MCG Levothyroxin. I know he is doing the right thing, but I don t understand why I am taking thyroid if I have a high number already. Could you please explain this to me ? Thank You. Beverly Anderson YYYY@YYYY
Mon, 18 Jun 2018
Report Abuse
Endocrinologist,  's  Response

Hello and welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service.
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

The TSH level in your blood reveals how much T4 your pituitary gland is asking your thyroid gland to make.
The elevated TSH result means Hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid.

The most common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
In my opinion ,this is your exact diagnosis.

In Hashimoto's thyroiditis, the body mounts an immune reaction against its own thyroid gland tissue, leading to inflammation and the destruction of the gland (thyroiditis).

So,your TSH level is high because your Pituitary gland is asking your thyroid gland to make more Thyroid hormones ,but the inflammated thyroid can not produce hormone any more and it is vital to take the thyroid hormone replacement therapy.

In your circumstances the Hypothyroidism is the result of the insufficient dosis of thyroid hormone replacement therapy or Levothyroxine.

The result means that you need to adjust the actual dosis of Levothyroxine.
The increased dosis of Levothyroxine will help you to normalise your TSH result and feel better.

Hope i have clarified your doubt.
Let me know if i can assist you further.




I find this answer helpful
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.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Elevated TSH Levels Despite Taking Levothyroxine?

Hello and welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. The TSH level in your blood reveals how much T4 your pituitary gland is asking your thyroid gland to make. The elevated TSH result means Hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid. The most common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto s thyroiditis. In my opinion ,this is your exact diagnosis. In Hashimoto s thyroiditis, the body mounts an immune reaction against its own thyroid gland tissue, leading to inflammation and the destruction of the gland (thyroiditis). So,your TSH level is high because your Pituitary gland is asking your thyroid gland to make more Thyroid hormones ,but the inflammated thyroid can not produce hormone any more and it is vital to take the thyroid hormone replacement therapy. In your circumstances the Hypothyroidism is the result of the insufficient dosis of thyroid hormone replacement therapy or Levothyroxine. The result means that you need to adjust the actual dosis of Levothyroxine. The increased dosis of Levothyroxine will help you to normalise your TSH result and feel better. Hope i have clarified your doubt. Let me know if i can assist you further.