Synthroid for hyperthyroid

[AJWS6]

Hi Doctor,
I have an enlarged thyroid measures 5.5 x 3.3, deviated trachea.  My TSH level was .080 tested 4/21/08, I was prescribed .075 mg synthroid to reduce the swelling.  My TSH is borderline hyperthyroid, and my endo will not perform a free T3/T4 test.  

Is it standard procedure to use Synthroid on normal TSH, + or - hyper/hypo levels.  What is considered normal ranges for prescribing synthroid for an enlarged thyroid.    

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

This is not likely to work well -- the current guidelines suggest against "suppressing" a TSH in order to treat a goiter/nodule -- so no levothyroxine in your case.  I the TSH is abnormally high (>3 or 4) then levothyroxine may help.  With tracheal deviation the options are surgery or possibly I-131 treatment.  Often a biopsy is done first to determine if it is suspiciuos for cancer.  Would consider another opinion.

[AJWS6]

Dr. Lupo need to make a correction, my TSH level is .80 not .080

[AJWS6]

Also my endo told me, synthroid has a 5% success rate reducing thryoids.  I was told by my endo unless I take the synthroid, he will not be able to move on to the next level of treatment.  

I am a bit concerned, I'm falling in the hyperthyroid levels and being prescribed Synthroid.  Very confused.  Thanks for your help.