How quickly to raise T4 medication?

[TakingCare6789]

Synthroid people:

How quickly did you raise your meds? 12.5 every six weeks? I had a TSH of 4.70 (Range: 0.5 - 4.50) and was started on 50 Synthroid. After a few weeks I was put on 62.5. Not sure how long I should/will stay on the 62.5. How much do you think I am going to need? I know my TSH isn't nearly as high as others. Thanks.

[ktr19]

I think it all depends on what optimum dose your doctor wants you on to alleviate your symptoms….not necessarily what your numbers are. Thankfully I found a doctor that recognizes that.

My new doctor is wants me up to .100mcg of T4 meds and believes that will be my optimum dose considering my symptoms  and the fact that I was woefully undertreated at .25mcg for over 7 months. He believes I was hypo for much longer than first thought.  

I’m upping my dose .25 mcg every 2-3 weeks (per my doctors instructions)all the while looking for any signs of going hyper and will get retested in two months to see where my blood levels finally shake out.

What are your symptoms and how long have you had them? I think if you can convince your doctor to consider your symptoms along with your blood levels you will be better off.

[Brucergoldberg]

by the way, after barb gets her answers, the norm is minimal 5 weeks for the lab results.  I cheat sometimes and do 4 weeks, but my tsh is so high that it warrants it.  But as i start to slide into home plate with a close to normal tsh, it will be 5 -8 weeks for me.  (and i cant wait)

[Barb135]

It's impossible to say how much you will eventually need.  Dosage should never be adjusted without prior lab testing of TSH, Free T3 and Free T4.  

TSH is a pituitary hormone and should not be used, alone, to determine thyroid status or treatment needs.

Do you know if you have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis?