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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Long After Starting A New Dose Of Thyroid Medication Should One Check For Their TSH Levels?

Hi, i have hypothyroidism and i have just had my thyroid medication adjusted two weeks ago and my current Dr wants me to get my tsh, t4 and t3 bloods taken tomorrow. I was under the impression that you had to wait 4 weeks from starting a new dose before getting bloods re checked. Is that correct?
Thu, 3 Sep 2015
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello dear,

Thank you for your question and welcome to Healthcare Magic. I read your question and I understand your concern.

Actually, the protocol I use for monitoring my patients thyroid medications is to check TSH level no earlier than four weeks. After an adjustment in the levothyroxine dosage, I wait at least four weeks because the full effects of thyroid hormone replacement on the TSH level may not become apparent until after six weeks of therapy.
Maybe your doctor follows a different protocol of treatment, but in the country I practice my profession the checking of TSH levels is done four to six or eight weeks after starting a new dose of thyroid medication.

Hope I helped with my answer. For further concerns or follow up questions feel free to ask again.

Kind Regards,
Dr. Ina
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How Long After Starting A New Dose Of Thyroid Medication Should One Check For Their TSH Levels?

Hello dear, Thank you for your question and welcome to Healthcare Magic. I read your question and I understand your concern. Actually, the protocol I use for monitoring my patients thyroid medications is to check TSH level no earlier than four weeks. After an adjustment in the levothyroxine dosage, I wait at least four weeks because the full effects of thyroid hormone replacement on the TSH level may not become apparent until after six weeks of therapy. Maybe your doctor follows a different protocol of treatment, but in the country I practice my profession the checking of TSH levels is done four to six or eight weeks after starting a new dose of thyroid medication. Hope I helped with my answer. For further concerns or follow up questions feel free to ask again. Kind Regards, Dr. Ina