need help understanding thyroid level

Question

I have had thyroid issues for 19 yrs now and thought I understood how this all works until recently when I had to change drs due to Insurance changes. My former OB/GYN was trying to get my level down and had to increase my dosage a number of times. It finally came down to 15 from 22 while taking 150mg. Now my new dr, which is a general practioner, tested me last week and said it was 25 now and she wants to lower my synthroid to 100mg.

My question is...isn't that the opposite that she should be doing? When I questioned her she got irritated w/me, but as it was told to me, the higher the level...the higher the dose of synthroid should be increased. Am I wrong here? I know it's very confusing and I am trying to help my husband understand too. so could someone simplify this and help me understand why my dr is doing just the opposite of what I have ever heard of. Thank you in advance.....hope I am being clear here as to what my question is..........very confused!

blessed333 · Answer

UPDATE:
I just heard back from the drs office, the nurse said she was going to increase the dose to 175mg.....she had forgotten I was on synthroid already.....so much for looking at my chart huh?!
It really pays to be proactive about your health issues.....always ask what your levels are and what dose will you be changed to. I know drs have alot on them and we have to look after ourselves much of the time.
Thanks for the responses....

blessed333 · Answer

Thank you for responding.....that is what I thought. Like I said I have had thyroid issues for 19 yrs so I'm pretty knowledgable about levels but I don't believe my new GP understands how the thyroid works and how if the level is high then the dose needs to be increased...........very scary since she is considered a Dr. to which whom I have put my trust in.

blessed333 · Answer

I believe my tsh is the only one tested. My TSH level is 25.3.....I know that's high and is considered hypo. My question is why wouldn't the dose of synthroid be lowered if my thyroid level is high. I know at one time it was explained to me but I have forgotten the details.

mtkst13 · Answer

you are correct.  your doctor is wrong if he/she is trying to lower your synthroid if your tsh is rising.  were FT3 and FT4 drawn?  maybe the doctor is prescribing based on those values as well???  however, with the information you're providing, it appears that your doc has it wrong.

you should definitely ask to have a full blood work evaluation...TSH, FT4, FT3, antibodies because a TSH higher than 3 is a possible issue.  yours was 15 and higher.  yikes!

laura1967 · Answer

Can you specify as to what level you are referencing to? 
Normal TSH range is .30-3.0
            Free T4     is 0.8-1.8
            Free T3     is 230-420

Optimum Free T4 is mid to mid high normal range, and Free T4 is mid high normal range. Most people feel good with a TSH of 1.0, unless you are hashi or cancer patient. 

Do you have a copy of your lab report so you can post the test results with ranges? Then we can see if I can help to explain what this dr is doing. :)