How to Increase TSH Levels With Synthyroids

Synthryoid or levothyroxine sodium tablets are the most commonly prescribed thyroid medication for people with hypothyroidism. The medication contains a synthetic version of the thyroxine, or T4 hormone. Hypothyroidism is a condition characterized by the body's inability to produce both the T3 and T4 thyroid hormones on its own. Anunder-productive thyroid gland contributes to problems with body thermal regulation and metabolism. By taking the medication consistently, preventing food interactions and properly caring for the medication, you may be able to increase your TSH levels.

Things You'll Need

• Synthyroid

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Instructions

• 1

  Take your Synthroid medication every day. According to Synthroid's website, thyroid replacement medication is intended to be taken for life. Avoid skipping doses. Be sure to take your medication with a full glass of water if you have problems swallowing. Even if you feel better, the pituitary glands that produce thyroid hormones do not start producing on their own, regardless of any length of time on the medication. Hypothyroidism is a lifelong ailment. When you skip a dose, your TSH levels almost immediately reduce and cause hypothyroid complications, like difficulty swallowing and depression. Do not double dose on the medication if you miss a dose, but if you remember to take it before your next dose, take it immediately.

• 2

  Choose a time in the morning to take your medication. Synthroid should be taken on an empty stomach and without caffeine. According to professors Dr. John Horn and Dr. Philip Hansten from the University of Washington School of Pharmacy, caffeine has been reported to interfere with the absorption of Synthroid. Refrain from taking calcium or iron supplements with the drug. Wait at least four hours after taking these supplements or antacids to take Synthroid. If you like your morning coffee, try waking up an hour or two earlier to take the medication and going back to bed. Also, studies published The Journal Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism suggest that optimal Synthroid absorption occurred when the patient took the medication at night before bedtime. Ask your doctor if a nighttime dosage might be right for you.

• 3

  Eat a breakfast that is void of fiber, dairy, soy or nuts. Fibrous vegetables, like broccoli, cabbage and Brussels sprouts, contain goitrogens that can cause the thyroid gland to enlarge. These foods can interfere with thyroid hormone synthesis, thus causing your synthetic thyroid medication to be difficult to absorb. According to Dr. Andrew Weil at www.drweil.com, an excess of soy in the diet can prevent Synthoid from being properly absorbed. The National Institutes of Health recommends parents to refrain from giving children thyroid medication in food or with soybean formula. Talk to your doctor about the amount of soy and fiber in your diet. Cut down on possible food interactions by eating a breakfast free of these foods.

• 4

  Store Synthroid away from light and in a dry place. Avoid putting it near windows or in the bathroom. Synthroid can lose effectiveness when not properly stored. Never take outdated medication.

• 5

  Get blood work done every six months when you first start taking Synthroid, and annually if you have been taking it for several years. Typically, doctors start their patients off with low doses of thyroid medication and gradually up the dosage amounts. It takes several weeks to begin to feel the effects from the Synthroid, though some people feel better in a couple of days. TSH levels are subject to change with age and hormonal changes. Pregnant women generally need an increase in medication during their pregnancy. According to a study published by the New England Journal of Medicine, the increase may need to occur as early as the fifth week of gestation. Contact your doctor to have blood work performed if you begin to feel an increase in hypothyroidism symptoms like weight gain, fatigue, dry skin or depression.