Why is my T4 level high when my diagnosis is Hypothyroidism?

Question

I havd been Hypothyroid for 11 years. I was stable on a dose of 125 mcg of Synthroid for about 6 or 7 years, then my dose needed to be decreased to 112 mcg. My does of 112 mcg was stable for about 4 or 5 years, now all of the sudden I am once again in a hyperthyroid state. My TSH level was 0.01 uIU/mL, my T4 was 1.72 ng/dL, and my White Blood Cell Count was 4,100 (may/may not be related). My doctor lowered my dose to 100 mcg. I think that I was under a great deal fo stress both times when the dosages needed to be lowered. When I asked why my dose needed to be lowered my doctor said that I must be making my thyroid hormone now than I was previously. Is this possible, or could their be another answer? I am not totally satisfied with my doctor's answer.

Answer 1

I believe as you get age your body needs less thyroid hormones.

http://arbl.cvmbs.colostate.edu/hbooks/pathphys/endocrine/thyroid/calcitonin.html

The dose of levothyroxine that an individual requires is dependent partly upon body weight, age, and sex. Patients who weigh more require higher doses, while elderly patients require considerably less hormone.

Answer 2

T4 is often elevated because you are taking a T4 medication. Yes, its possible that your thyroid is making more hormone now. I think I'd want to know if the T4 its making is usable and if its converting to T3. To find this out, get a free t4 and free t3. Always test in the morning, as that's the only way to get an accurate TSH and Free t4.

Answer 3

hmm...interesting.
your body must be reproducing more T4 cells for some reason, probably a viral infection? This is difficult to diagnose but from what you included I would have to say that your thyroid gland is producing more because you might have some antigens in your blood. Making more thyroid hormone...sounds possible.

Answer 4

Your doctor is right.....when prescribing thyroid medications the numbers work opposite....