Starting dose 100mcg Thyroxine, seems high??

[Deelited]

Just started meds as prescribed by Endo, the starting dose of 100mcg seems really high?? Started meds 3 days ago and have been experiencing mild palpitations, sweating, waves of nausea and more anxious than normal. Not too bothersome but wondering if this sort of starting dose is normal? Is my body just adjusting to the increased T4?I ask because the Endo advised there would be NO side effects? Hmmm.... all medications have side effects I thought! I have had so many different Dr's telling me completely different things, it is very confusing. I, like many others, have been on the "search for a diagnosis merry-go-round" for so long it is just ridiculous.  All the Endo had to say was I have had an autoimmune attack on my thyroid at some stage, it is still functioning ok apart from low FT4. So I would say it's "autoimmune thyroiditis"? Endo was vague, no diagnosis, just "autoimmune attack on my thyroid". Another appt in 6 weeks to check my levels.

Raised TPO antibodies of 200 (<60)
Low range FT4 of 11 (10-20),
FT3 4.6 (2.8-6.8)
TSH 1 (0.40-4.00).
Normal thyroid ultrasound and uptake scan was normal/low end range.

Would love to hear from others who are on meds and your thoughts on the starting dose. Thanks in advance for any advice.

[Deelited]

Thank you very much for taking the time to reply and for the great information. I will check out the link you mention.

Thanks for the FT3 information as this seems to be the one they continually leave off the test! I will make sure that is included in my follow up bloods. Also the suppressed TSH level, luckily my GP is quite used to me 'suggesting' what tests I would like to be done and would be quite open to reading the letter.

Thanks again Gimel, appreciated.

[gimel]

To supplement that good info from Red, I just wanted to add that you should be aware that scientific studies have shown that the thyroid test that correlated best with hypo symptoms was free T3, while FT4 and TSH did not correlate.  So it is important that you make sure that your FT3 level continues to stay in the upper part of its range, and FT4 at least at midpoint of its range, or as necessary to relieve symptoms.  

It is very normal for a hypo patient taking significant quantities of T4 drugs to have a suppressed TSH level.   This does not automatically mean that you have become hyper, unless it is accompanied by hyper symptoms due to excessive levels of FT3 and FT4.  So don't let your doctor make that mistake in the future.  

In understanding the best way to treat a thyroid patient, I have found this letter to be very useful.   It was written by a good thyroid doctor for patients that he was consulting with from a distance.  The letter is sent to the  Primary Care Doctor, to help guide treatment.  

  http://hormonerestoration.com/files/ThyroidPMD.pdf

[Deelited]

Thanks so much Red, I will try dropping to 50 for a week.  Your advice is always greatly appreciated and it's good to know 100mcg is the usual starting dose.

So true, could well be coincidental timing as these type of symptoms are not unfamiliar to me.  I will be patient, I know it will take time, dose adjustments and there are no miracle cures with autoimmune issues.

Thanks again :)