How can my Tsh keep rising if I have just increased my dosage?

[Justin1967]

I had my blood test done the other day and my Tsh has risen to 2.2 up from 0.7 four weeks ago..For the last four weeks I have been taking 150mcg instead of 143mcg..
..Now she wants me to increase my dosage from 150mcg to 165mcg ie (4x 50mcg) x 2 days , (3 x50mcg)  x 5 days). so  I am really confused with what is going on!.
Is the T4 not working for me?

[AR-10]

I hear that. Been there.

I'm taking vitamin D, along with two multivitamins a day, per doctor's orders. I am having poor absorbtion of nutrients.

A multivitamin sure couldn't hurt.
Tests wouldn't hurt, either. ;-)

It's amazing the processes involved with converting T4 to T3 and the chemical reactions involved. Absorbtion of the levo is affected by vitamin and mineral levels as well.

Just a thought.

[Justin1967]

I haven't been on any iron supplements in the last few months and if I was a woman that would be pretty understandable.. Perhaps I should be taking consistently a multi-vitamin to balance any deficiencies I might have.
I'm currently taking Vitamin D ( 50,000 IU) to boost my low levels..

I have had my Tsh down to 0.09 back in Feb/Jan...but ever since I had my RAI I have had trouble getting my Tsh down to 0.1..

I just don't want to wake up to heart palpitations because I have over dosed..

Justin



  

[AR-10]

It's possible that you may have developed a deficiency in some vitamin or mineral that you need to convert T4 to T3, and you are processing your meds differently because of that.

You still need some iodine to function as well as selenium, magnesium, zinc, and vitamin D to help convert T4 to T3, I believe.

Have you started an iron supplement in the last few months? That could be messing with your meds.

The Levothyroxine could be the problem. Consistancy is not as good with generics. The small increase you had in your med dose may have been cancelled out by the inconsistancy that is inherent in generic meds. But a larger dose shouldn't make you go backwards.

Have you been having trouble getting your TSH down low enough ever since surgery? Have you been able to get below 0.3 at any time?

[kitty9309]

To get a post to Dr. Lupo, I just had to keep trying at all odd times of the day.
It didn't take me to long, it just wasn't at a predictable time.

Since you had cancer, ther may not be an autoimmune component at all.

The antibodies will test positive long before the TSH changes in autoimmune thyroid disease.

[Justin1967]

I had an thyroid antibody test done about six months ago and I remember the range being (0-150) which is normal

I have tried to post to the thyroid expert forum but I can't seem to get through..

How do I get in touch with Dr Lupo and what does he do?

[kitty9309]

When was the antibody result of 18? I am assuming that is not elevated. My lab uses <35 as a negative result for anti-TPO (TPOab).


Have you tried to post to Dr. Lupo?

[Justin1967]

I haven't had a thyroid antibodies test done yet. Should I ask my GP to do that test?

My GP told me last time that my thyroid antibodies result was falling.. Do you think they are increasing now?
I think my latest thyroid antibodies were 18.

I had papillary/follicular thyroid cancer a year ago. My Tsh is supposed to be near 0.1, so  I am wondering why it is increasing..

[kitty9309]

It is possible that the antibodies (if they are positive when tested) are attacking your thyroid very quickly and the meds need to keep increasing to keep up.

I hope you can get the thyroid antibodies tested.

Did you have cancer? You mention supression. If that is the case, the TSH is supposed to be nearly undetectable following thyroid cancer.

[Justin1967]

I'm on the brand name Lvothyroxine and no I didn't get my thyroid antibodies tested.

I consistently take my meds on a empty stomach and 1 hour before breakfast.

[Justin1967]

Hi there,

In New Zealand here you can only get  Levothyroxine  and  my doctor ran a free T4 test.
and the range for Tsh is (0.4-4.0).

My doctor keeps telling me that my Tsh should be closer to 1.0 for thyroid suppression.

[kitty9309]

Are you on a brand name or generic med?

Have you had thyroid antibodies tested?

Are you consistant with taking the meds- same time, empty stomach, away from supplements and other meds known to interfere?

[peggy64]

Sorry you are having a difficult time. Welcome to the world of thryoid difficulties, my friend.


THere are several questions that need to be clarified before I could even began to address this question.


You did not list your medication, but since it is listed on mcg, I am assuming it is synthroid?   Are you hypo or hyper?   Did your dr run a Free t3 and free t4?  

It is also recommended that you ask for a copy of your lab results each time, because a lot of times the dr will say, it is in range. Range, can still cause problems and symptoms for some people, as many of us can attest to.

Take care....