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Will Stopping Levothyroxine And Not Tapering The Dose Affect The Hashimoto's Problem ?
I was diagnosed w/ Hashimoto's two years ago and have been taking levothyroxine. My Free T4 have always been with in range until this week's test which is now 2.4. The doctor told me to stop w/ the levothyroxine. Why would i have to stop and not just lower my dosage? Also, the nurse mentioned an SSH test which was .002. What is the SSH test
Mon, 16 Dec 2013
Hi there,
Thanks for your query.
Hashimoto's is an autoimmune disease, in which the body's immune system recognizes thyroid tissue as foreign and destroys its tissue progressively.
There will therefore be reduced production of thyroid hormone life-long. Hence you will have to take Levothyroxine life-long in titrated doses.
. Your doctor has stopped Levothyroxine temporarily, probably because Free T4 level has crossed the upper limit . However, the standard practice is to reduce the dose of Levothyroxine instead of stopping it.
The dose is titrated on the basis of TSH (and not SSH) level. It is maintained around 1 or lower.
Consult your doctor and apprise him of my opinion. I am certain that he will agree with me, order required tests, and- based on the reports- will prescribe suitable/modified treatment as advised.
In case of any further queries, revert back to me THROUGH DIRECT PREMIUM QUERY (Paid), addressed to me personally. You will receive- almost immediately- my response in great details.
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Fond regards and have a nice day
Dr. Rakesh Karanwal
Thanks for your query.
Hashimoto's is an autoimmune disease, in which the body's immune system recognizes thyroid tissue as foreign and destroys its tissue progressively.
There will therefore be reduced production of thyroid hormone life-long. Hence you will have to take Levothyroxine life-long in titrated doses.
. Your doctor has stopped Levothyroxine temporarily, probably because Free T4 level has crossed the upper limit . However, the standard practice is to reduce the dose of Levothyroxine instead of stopping it.
The dose is titrated on the basis of TSH (and not SSH) level. It is maintained around 1 or lower.
Consult your doctor and apprise him of my opinion. I am certain that he will agree with me, order required tests, and- based on the reports- will prescribe suitable/modified treatment as advised.
In case of any further queries, revert back to me THROUGH DIRECT PREMIUM QUERY (Paid), addressed to me personally. You will receive- almost immediately- my response in great details.
If you find my response helpful and informative, do not forget an “excellent” (5-star rating) to my answer, to ENCOURAGE ALL doctors- engaged in social service- to render sound advice to the FREE queries.
Fond regards and have a nice day
Dr. Rakesh Karanwal
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