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Should Levothyroxine Dosage Be Reduced To Treat High Thyroid?

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Posted on Fri, 10 Nov 2017
Question: I need to get an answer from someone who knows about hyperthyroidism vs hypothyroidism. Like an endrocronologist . So I have been taking Levothyroxine 100 mcg tabs. I recently had a new thyroid test it showed the my thyroid was too high. So they took the dosage down to 88mcg tabs. So, why if my thyroid is to high are they lowering my medicine? Plus I don't show much signs of Hyperthyroidism. I'm tired a lot and have a pretty sedentary life. So what am I supposed do. can someone explain to me what the difference between those two. I am 44 and my name is Stacia.
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Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (46 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
please clarify

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

please clarify whether "high" thyroid means high TSH or increased thyroxine. If your TSH is high then you've got hypothyroidism (and you would need a higher dosage of thyroxine). If TSH is nearly undetectable then you've got hyperthyroidism (and less thyroxine would be required).

There are many symptoms of hyper-hypo-thyroidism. I'll mention the most important ones.

Hypothyroidism may cause slow heart rate, increased body weight, hair loss, dry skin, slow thinking, sleepiness, fatigue, intolerance to cold, pale skin, abnormal menstruation, etc
Hyperthyroidism may cause fast heart rate (and perhaps also arrhythmias), weight loss, sweating, irritability/nervousness, tremor, sleep disorders, increased number of bowel movements, etc.

I suppose the reduction in dosage meant that your TSH was too low, so your thyroxine levels should have been high.

I hope I've helped you understand your situation.
Kind Regards!
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 3814 Questions

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Should Levothyroxine Dosage Be Reduced To Treat High Thyroid?

Brief Answer: please clarify Detailed Answer: Hello, please clarify whether "high" thyroid means high TSH or increased thyroxine. If your TSH is high then you've got hypothyroidism (and you would need a higher dosage of thyroxine). If TSH is nearly undetectable then you've got hyperthyroidism (and less thyroxine would be required). There are many symptoms of hyper-hypo-thyroidism. I'll mention the most important ones. Hypothyroidism may cause slow heart rate, increased body weight, hair loss, dry skin, slow thinking, sleepiness, fatigue, intolerance to cold, pale skin, abnormal menstruation, etc Hyperthyroidism may cause fast heart rate (and perhaps also arrhythmias), weight loss, sweating, irritability/nervousness, tremor, sleep disorders, increased number of bowel movements, etc. I suppose the reduction in dosage meant that your TSH was too low, so your thyroxine levels should have been high. I hope I've helped you understand your situation. Kind Regards!