My doctor recently increased my dosage of Levothyroxine from 100 mcg to 175 mcg. What does this mean

1 Jan 2012

Chweeks,
The reason your doc increased your Levothyroxine from 100 to 175 mcgs is because your thyroid glands function decreased from the past test. The Levothyroxine replaces the deficient hormone, causing the increased dosage. The laboratory or blood chemistry tests used to check thyroid function are T3, T4, and TSH or thyroid stimulating hormone, which sends information to your pituitary gland ( or called Master Gland ), which regulates many other glands in the body. One of the thyroid glands major actions is in the metabolic rate. A slow rate may cause fatigue, weight gain, etc., a fast rate may cause palpitations, loss of weight, no appetite, etc. So, it is important to make sure you are neither hypo or hyperthyroid.
That's it, the short version.
Peace,
Laura