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Thyroid Cancer, Nodules & Hyperthyroidism (Expert Forum)
With each dosage increase, feel better, then a slump--why?
Answered by
Mark Lupo, M.D. - Thyroid Nodules, Thyroid Cancer, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, Thyroid Ultrasound
Thyroid & Endocrine Center of Florida
Sarasota - FL
Questions in the Thyroid forum are answered by Mark Lupo, MD. Topics covered include Goiter, Graves Disease, Hyperthyroid, Parathyroid/Calcium Problems, Thyroid Cancer, Thyroid Nodules/Cysts, Thyroiditis, Thyroid & Pregnancy, Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), Thyroid Tests, and Thyroid Surgery.
With each dosage increase, feel better, then a slump--why?
by EmpatheticJenny, May 28, 2007 12:00AM
I am a 56-year-old woman who was diagnosed several months ago with mild hypothyroidism (TSH of 4.11); the test for antibodies was negative. I started taking Levothroid 12.5 mcg. a day. Each dosage increase has been 12.5 mcg at my request, since it has seemed to take my body as long as two weeks to adjust ("adjust" means that my blood pressure and heart rate go back down to normal and my rosacea no longer is annoyed by the medication). I followed a roller coaster pattern of well-being until I reached 62.5 mcg., at which point I had the most stable level of well-being and the highest level in a long while. Just after the 28-day mark, however, I had a precipitous well-being plunge, as had happened after each dosage increase. At 75 mcg., I came enticingly close to what was a very high level well-being a year ago...until the familiar post-28-day well-being plunge. I am taking no other medications, and I am in excellent health except for malaise, which was a foreign feeling for me a year ago. Do you have any explanation and/or advice? I am beginning to wonder if I ever can feel well again.
Doctor's Answer
by Mark Lupo, M.D., May 28, 2007 12:00AM
, May 28, 2007 12:00AM
You could keep titrating slowly, but make sure the TSH is not being over-suppressed and work closely with your doctor. Sounds like thyroid treatment is the right direction based on your description, but always talk to your doctor to make sure there is nothing else going on.
I want to get back in touch with you. It's been "messy" around here lately. I've been researching (have an appt. the 30th), have an out of state vacation coming up, daughter's prom and just wrapped up the school year. I don't think the madness will end until the end of next month.
I'm going to post a quick note to you in the other forum.
I hope you get better. Sooner rather than later!
~Kate