TSH is rising taking same dose Synthroid for no understandable reason

Posted by vondav @vondav, Mar 18 10:31pm

I had my thyroid removed 15 years ago, and I've been on Synthroid. I need to stay suppressed. The dose has been the same for a number of years now, but recently it is rising quite a bit. In the past, my numbers were around 0.05. Last year it rose to 0,5, and my dr. and I couldn't figure it out. I just received blood results, and I am now at 1.2. Has anyone had this happen or does anyone have any suggestions/recommendations, please? Thanks.

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deborah1031 | @deborah1031 | Mar 19 8:37am

Have you had thyroglobulin and thyroglobulin antibody tests? They may offer clues.

sandy8043 | @sandy8043 | Mar 19 9:51am

My blood work is pretty stable now after soaring last year. But I have a friend who has been on thyroid replacement for 30 years. She has blood work every 6 weeks because she has frequent ups and downs.

vondav | @vondav | Mar 19 11:25am

In reply to @deborah1031 "Have you had thyroglobulin and thyroglobulin antibody tests? They may offer clues." + (show)

@deborah1031 I have thyroglobulin results which are holding steady, and it is good. I believe I've had the antibody test in the past, but I do not see it with the current results. Thank you so much for the input. I'll look further into that.

vondav | @vondav | Mar 19 11:28am

In reply to @sandy8043 "My blood work is pretty stable now after soaring last year. But I have a friend..." + (show)

@sandy8043 that is very interesting. Do they know why your friend's results vary, and when it is off, do you know what they are doing about it? Is it the thyroglobulin that is moving around? Did they ever understand why yours soared last year, and was that thyroglobulin? Thanks for your input.

lindaadele | @lindaadele | Mar 19 1:48pm

I had my thyroid removed about 25 years ago and I think sometimes the TSH can fluctuate what I would do if I was worried about it is I would mention it to my doctor and after that you’ll feel a lot better!!!
Very best wishes to you!!!

vondav | @vondav | Mar 19 6:45pm

In reply to @lindaadele "I had my thyroid removed about 25 years ago and I think sometimes the TSH can..." + (show)

@lindaadele thanks. As I mentioned, my TSH was a bit high last year, and the doctor nor I could understand why. It is much higher this year, so I am trying to figure this out before I speak with my doctor in a few days. I came here hoping to find someone who has been through this, and might have some insight. I must keep the suppression, and for whatever reason, the Synthroid seems to be failing me after years of success.

sandy8043 | @sandy8043 | Mar 19 6:52pm

In reply to @vondav "@sandy8043 that is very interesting. Do they know why your friend's results vary, and when it..." + (show)

@vondav I don't know about my friend. But I had my thyroid removed due to cancer. My blood work showed my dosage was good. So when I started to feel weak, cold and weepy I went in and my TSH was 8.8! So a dosage change pulled me out of the hole. My thyroglobulin was good. All tests some then have shown consistent results. My Doc says anytime I feel like,that again just call and we'll repeat the bloodwork.

vondav | @vondav | Mar 19 8:42pm

In reply to @sandy8043 "@vondav I don't know about my friend. But I had my thyroid removed due to cancer...." + (show)

@sandy8043 wow! Your TSH really climbed. Yes, I had thyroid cancer, too, and my thyroid was removed 15 years ago. I just don't understand why in all these years, my TSH is suddenly rising nor did the doctor seem to understand from our conversation last year when it was slightly high. My thyroglobulin is good as well, so I'm happy about that anyway. I had the cancer in several lymph nodes as well, and I know it's the TSH suppression that holds any cancer cells at bay, hence my concern. It seems there may be no real answer as to why this sudden rise can happen. I hate to up my dose as the Synthroid suppression can also cause heart issues. I really appreciate your input!

gently | @gently | Mar 19 10:56pm

vondav, it could be changes in absorption levels.
Changes in other medications or supplements can lower absorption. Stomach issues can cause lower absorption. Age can lower absorption. When patients were switched to the generic synthroid some had altered absorption.
You are wise to try and figure it out before the appointment. best wishes.

Lynne Marie | @lbrockme | Mar 20 10:17am

In reply to @vondav "@lindaadele thanks. As I mentioned, my TSH was a bit high last year, and the doctor..." + (show)

@vondav
I have had thyroid suppression doses for over 30 yrs. My TSH did fluctuate at times. One thing to explore is when you are taking the meds and if you are taking other meds or vitamins etc with the synthroid .
They should be taken early each day, before any meds , vitamins or food/drink.
Hoping things are settling down for you.
Prayers!