My TSH level was 11.768 U/mL, do I have to start taking Synthroid again?

Question

Hi doctor,

I had a thyroid test three years back, and my levels were 7.043 U/mL, so I was put on thyroid medication for hypothyroidism. After experiencing some side effects from the Synthroid drug, I discussed alternatives with an endocrinologist. He advised me to stop my medication and retest after six weeks. When I retested, my levels were 2.7 U/mL. My primary care doctor advised I test once per year, just in case. I had a test this month, and the levels were at 11.768 U/mL. I do not want to take pills again if this is just a random fluctuation. Why would my levels fluctuate this way and what do you suggest my course of action be? I started my period the day of my blood test, could that have affected the levels? Synthroid made my hair fall out, and I do not want to take it if I do not have to. Please advise.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Levothyroxine is one of the safest medicine with as good as no side effects. Earlier you had subclinical hypothyroidism. But, now it has progressed to overt hypothyroidism. You can still wait for another four weeks and repeat the test if it is more than 10 U/mL, you will need to take medicines. Having your period does not change the TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) levels much.