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How to increase my synthroid?

Hi,

I cannot get a straight answer from my GP. Can someone out there tell me what the usual increment of increase in synthroid should be? While my thyroid levels show up as normal, I am still feeling tired and depressed. I am currently taking 125mcg but it doesn't seem to be enough. I am 68 years old, female, I am 5'8" and weight 196lbs. Is starting at 25mcg additional synthroid too much on top of what I am already taking? What is the smallest amount that could help? Thanks so much!
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Avatar universal
It would appear that you need to know what you test at.  Increasing your synthroid on your own is risky business.  I know, not because I increased mine but because I was being overdosed and had two TIA's from the result of it.

You can be tired and depressed for other reasons than needing more synthroid.
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Avatar universal
The increase from 125 mcg is 137 mcg. The next is 150 mcg and then 175 mcg (where I am now). My TSH level before this last increase to 175 mcg was 16.9.

I'm 40, 5'8" and my weight went from 144 to 205, when I was first diagnosed. Over the past 8 years, I've changed doctors four times.

The ONLY thing thats helped me with weight and mind is 'The Thyroid Diet' book, by patient advocate Mary Shomon. It has really helped me to understand this disease, what it does to the body and brain and how all foods affect it ~ good and bad. It really helped me realize that I'm not going crazy, that what's happening to my body and mind is because of this disease, but I can, through knowledge of it, help myself where no doctor can.

Also, 'certain' suppliments can help a lot, but the only ones I've found that truly work are at Mannatech.com. The 'Plus' is great. The Ambrotose powder is great, and the GlycoLEAN/Catalyst is superb in weightloss help. The best thing is that Mannatech puts absolutely no fillers or garbage into their suppliments. It is all completely natural and exactly what a person with thyroid disease needs to feel better.

Good luck to you!
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Avatar universal
jd2
i meant only 6mcg / week. (i take it extra on one day). but because im on  a low dose, i guess it really affects me...
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Avatar universal
jd2
i increase/decrease my dose by 6mcg at a time, by cutting up the tablets. but i do it with the help of my doctor. oh yeah and im only on around 12.5mcg at moment.
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314892 tn?1264623903
What is your current TSH and free t3/4 level?
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