Thyroid medication not working.

[mitch021]

I had thyroid cancer in 2001 so had entire tyroid taken out. I have started having extreme tiredness recently, seven years after surgery so the Dr. recommended I have a test to check my TSH Levels again.  It is 14.00.  Wondering how it could suddenly be so high. I have been taking the same medication.  Also my Dr. now wants to change my dosage from 200mg's to 125mgs. My TSH is "positive" 14.00 "not negative". Isn't a "HIGH" TSH indictive of "HYPO"thyroidism, not "Hyper"thyroidism? It seems to me that my dosage should be going up, not down. I eat hardly anything and still gain weight and am exhausted. Any input?

Thank you...
Mitch S

[jjkdc]

i had a total thyroidectomy and am about  to go through the 131 tx.....I want to go back on my iodorol and high D supplements after- but my endo doesn't agree with supplementations of any kind- I live in an area where there isn't another endo for 300 miles.....is iodorol safe post cancer(papillary) as long as my TSH is where he wants it?-I'm hoping to help protect from breast cancer too due to the high dosage of the RI131 (125-due to having spread to lymph nodes etc.....)-My family Dr. is very supplement oriented but will not override my endo 's opinion due to the cancer.....
thanks so much
Jen k

[ytr]

I take iodorol and l thyrosine and it makes up thyroid med and i feel much better but i have my off days.  i also take a multi vitamin, niacine, fish oil and mercury detox and a probiotic and it seems to do wanders for me though i have more and more good days than bad, i am getting there.  i have tried the pharmcudical and it failed me measrably for 8 yrs what a waste. i am starting to come out of my shell and feel alive again with energy and not like a 90 yrs old person with cold hand and feet who wants to do nothing but sleep eat or sit on the sofa.  

[Super_sally888]

Mitch,

Yes, a high TSH means that you are hypothyroid and need more not less thyroid meds.  

Thyroid hormone requirements can change over time for many reasons.

Sounds like your Dr. made a mistake in wanting to reduce your thyroid meds.  You definitely need to increase the dose, not reduce it.  Given that your TSH is 14, probably you need a significant dose increase - probably of at least 50 mcg.  Anyway should be retested after 4 - 6 weeks of any med change, with subsequent adjustments made as necessary.

I would suggest you call your doctor to clarify.  Treat it as if he may have made an honest mistake.  Maybe he wants you to increase your daily dose by 125 mcg above what you are already on to give a total of 325 mcg? (though this is a bit too much to increase meds by all at once).

If he still insists on a dose decrease you need to get a second opinion.  The high TSH can explain all your symptoms of being tired and gaining weight despite not eating much.

Once things are balanced again, recommend thyroid testing about every 6 - 12 months for  the rest of your life.  Ideal TSH is normally between 0.5 - 2.5, with most people feeling best with a TSH around 1.0.

Hope this helps.  Best wishes and let us know how you go.