Palpatations/TSH level?

Posted by J. Johnston on May 02, 1999 at 22:35:20
I take .100 mg of Synthroid daily.  My latest blood work done says my TSH level is 0.3, which the DR here (in Taiwan) says is hyperthyroidism, so he suggested I lower my medication.  I occasionally get palpitations.  Could this be related?  My total cholesterol is 174, and hdl/ldl levels are appropriate.

Posted by CCF CARDIO MD - MTR on May 03, 1999 at 11:18:08
Dear J. Johnston, thank you for your question.  The normal TSH level is 0.5 - 5.0.  With your dose of synthroid, you are probably receiving too much thyroid hormone so your TSH level is driven down below the normal levels.  When the amount of thyroid hormone is too high, the body's natural response is to decrease the stimulus to make endogenous thyroid hormone (TSH).  Thus, I think your synthroid dose should be decreased, so be sure to check with your physician about what the proper dose is.  The palpitations that you are experiencing may be related to hyperthyroidism, so this symptom may diminish with lowering your synthroid dose.  Also, common precipitants of palpitations are alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine and these should be avoided.  

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