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High thyroid levels means higher disage?

IMy results were TSH 5.0 (range 0.36-3.74) FREE T4 1.2 (range 0.8-1.5) and THYROPEROXIDASE ANTIBODIES 3222
My dr increased the dosage to 75 mcg M,T, W,T,F and 50 mcg S, and Sun.  I previously took the 75 mcg 3xs a week and 50 mcg 4 XX a week.  I mentioned that I was having heart palpitations on the days after I took 75 mcg, so that is why he checked my levels.  So now, after the test he increased the meds for 2 more days.  Does this sound right?  If my levels are high should the dosage be increased?  I am confused about this.
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649848 tn?1534633700
COMMUNITY LEADER
Without a Free T3, we really can't tell what's actually happening since the Free T4 must be converted to Free T3 prior to being used.  Can you ask your doctor to test the Free T3?  

Are the palpitations the only symptom you're having?  

Your doctor is going by the TSH, which is backward from what you'd think - when it's high, thyroid hormone levels are, typically, too low so most people are hypo.  When TSH levels are low, thyroid hormone levels are , typically, high and the patient is hyper.   TSH is what many doctors go by when determining thyroid status and deciding whether to medicate, increase/decrease, etc.  It's important to know, however, that TSH is a pituitary hormone, not a thyroid hormone and there are many circumstances under which it does not correlate well with actual thyroid hormones.

Free T4 and Free T3 should be tested every time TSH is tested.  If your doctor refuses to test Free T3, it might be time to look for a new doctor in order to make sure you get the best testing and/or treatment.

Have you been tested for vitamin B-12, D and Ferritin?
Helpful - 0
649848 tn?1534633700
COMMUNITY LEADER
Although your TSH is high, your Free T4 is just slightly above mid-range, which is about where we'd want it.

The TPOab (Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies) confirms that you have Hashimoto's.

Have you ever had a Free T3 test?  Free T3 is the thyroid hormone that's actually used by individual cells in the body, whereas Free T4 is a storage hormone that must be converted to Free T3 prior to being used.  It appears that you might not be converting adequately.  

Is the heart palpitations the only symptom you're having?  Palpitations can be symptoms of either over or under medication.  

If you have a Free T3 test result, please post it, along with the reference range.  Also, if you have other symptoms, please let us know what they might be.

Have you been tested for vitamin B-12, D and Ferritin?  If you have results for those, also, please post them with reference ranges as many people with Hashimoto's are low in these vitamins/minerals which are necessary for proper thyroid hormone metabolism.
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
No, I have never had a Free T3 test done.
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649848 tn?1534633700
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