Hypothyroidism question

[Sorelip]

I gave birth 5 weeks ago. I don't know if that is relevant, but thought I should mention it. I had a blood test last week, which I got the results for today over the phone - TSH level is high, so GP is reducing my levothyroxine prescription to 100mcg daily, down from 125mcg.

Now, I don't know what made me look it up, but according to something I've read, high TSH levels are normally a call for more levothyroxine, not less. Am I being a doughnut here?

I read the same too...high TSH indicates an under active thyroid so need more meds. Can you not discuss this with him?

I'll have to speak to him tomorrow, as he only takes calls between 1 and 1.30pm. I've probably just not understood him correctly.

TSH is the hormone that tells the thyroid to release thyroxine. If TSH is high and thyroxine level low it means the brain is telling the thyroid to produce more thyroxine but the thyroid isn't.

BUT that is without artificial thyroxine. When you take artificial thyroxine your TSH should be knocked right down - enought thyroxine in the system so the brain does not need to ask for any.

The fact that your TSH has come up while you are on medication this may indicate the thyroid is working adequately ie if both TSH and thyroxine is high you need a lower dose and your body will make the rest.

I went to see the Endrocrinologist (sp?) Anthony Toft a few weeks ago - because I am fed up with being permanantly tired, have pretty bad alopecia areata, and permanant mood swings!! My doctor hasn't done anything despite my fluctuating TSH T4 levels. He wants to up my levythyroxine til it gets my levels to 21 and 0.3, and then introduce T3 if I still feel like crap lol. My GP just said "you have two small children. what do you expect? Would you like to try some mild antidepressants?" So Mr Toft has written her a fools guide letter. here's hoping I brighten up lol. So, not sure is the answer - but you should be aiming for around 0.3 and 21 (I was at 6.9 and 13).

I think you need to ask for the figures and keep your own diary of what they are after each blood test. Beware after I had my third DD I became hyperthyroid for a short period of time before I reverted back to hypothyroid ! So get checked regularly over the next few months until your body and hormones return to noral following birth.

Yummum, that is probably what has happened. I'll be having regular blood tests. I really don't want to end up as bad as I was when I was first diagnosed - I was a total mess! I'll be seeing the doctor on Thursday for my 6 week check-up, so I'll talk to him then.