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Anyone has experience with low TSH after taking Levothyroxine?
I have been on levothyroxine for about 17 years and in the last couple of years routine tests have shown that my TSH is dropping below normal even though I have been on the same or lower dose of T4. Free T4 remains normal so the pattern is consistent with subclinical hyperthyroidism but why it would emerge without a dose change is the question. I'm now 67 so maybe its a normal consequence of aging but I haven't found anything to substantiate that. Anyone else experience this?
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I have, over the years, increased my dosage of Levothyroxine...testing to<br />
make sure my score is around 1.8-2.3.......where I feel the best.<br />
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1 ReactionThere are medications and supplements which can make ones tsh appear low . Look at Link + table one and 2 in the link . If you were/are on any of these supplements or medications ,
Drugs that affect thyroid function in patients taking levothyroxine.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2784889/Many Dr's don't know this or pay no heed to it
Many drugs and medications can affect thyroid function. Thyroid hormone levels can be altered by drugs at many levels
Medicines you may need to temporarily stop include:
Amiodarone
Dopamine
Lithium
Potassium iodide
Prednisone or other glucocorticoid medicines
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1 ReactionThanks. I've looked into this and I don't have any conflicts. What I do have is a complex autoimmune picture with several thyroid antibody types. I reviewed my thyroid tests over the last few years and there does't seem to be a firm connection between free t4 and tsh, and there should be. Back to the endocrinologist.
Thanks. My tsh doesn't track to thyroid dose, that's the problem.
@johnwburns You mentioned you've looked into a few different things, so maybe consider getting a second opinion from another endocrinologist. The American Thyroid Association's tool might be useful: http://www.thyroid.org/patient-thyroid-information/endocrinology-thyroid-doctor/
Right. I guess I will. To be honest I'm just bone tired of doctors. I see 3 specialists now with a 4th on the way. From what I read, a person's TSH can bounce around when you fall into the 'elderly' category. After reviewing how erratic my tests have been for the last year I'd say that was true. Thanks for the response and the info.