Question:
Thyroid test result

I was told that I have hypothyroid. So the doc put me on Synthroid, 75 MCG. Is this a normal amount that some of you Synthroid users have? Will I have to take it for the rest of my life? I am trying to understand this condition I have, could anyone explain this to me? Pleae email me if possible. [email protected] I just hope with this test result will not dampen my insurance approval for WLS surgery.    — SxySalsa (posted on November 2, 2002)

November 2, 2002
Are you sure it's 75 Mcg or .75 Mcg? 75 is quite alot. I had been on .75 Mcg for 3 years and it did not affect my surgery. I just had to have the pre-op tests to confirm the TSH was under control. In my case, I was told I will probably be on Synthyroid for life. I was diagnosed as hypothyroid 15 years ago and my dosage has increased from .1 Mcg to .75 Mcg during that time.
   — LLinderman

November 2, 2002
According to my med bottle it says 75MCG There's no dot in front of it. Unless the pharmacy didnt type it right on the label. It's a tiny light blue pills, a little bigger than BC Pills.
   — SxySalsa

November 3, 2002
I think that poster was getting milligrams (mg) and micrograms (mcg). I am on .20 mg (which is 200 mcg) and have been since I had half my thyroid gland removed in 1976 due to Hashimoto's thryoiditis. <p> Typically, Hashimoto's doesn't warrant a thyroidectomy but the nodules on my thryoid, accompanied by a history of radiation to the head (I had the Nasal Radiation rods used in the mid-60's to treat adenoid problems) made the surgeons decide to operate since they felt that there was a possibility of thyroid cancer. Luckily it wasn't. <p> I don't know if you will have to remain on your Synthoid for the rest of your life. That is a question for you to ask your doctor. I have to, because I don't have all of my thyroid anymore (plus the Synthroid suppresses the remaining thyroid gland and prevents other problems)...JR
   — John Rushton

November 3, 2002
I've been on synthriod for a little over a year now. My doctor told me i will have to take it for the rest of my life. But, since surgery i've had my dosage lowered. I also have hypothyroidism. I think it actually helps with the insurance approval. It shows that your body is just not working as well as others where your metabolism is concerned. I've done quite a bit or research on it since i found out and never new your thyroid controls soooo much of your feelings and even your hunger. I've not had a real problem with my depression since my thyroid was under control. And my migrains are much fewer. Thank God for that. But, i will tell you that my doctor wouldn't release me to my surgeon and my surgeon didn't want me to even come in until my tsh levels were right. And i know it can be disappoiting but, that's the way it goes. I ended up waiting a few extra months for surgery because of this. Hope i was able to help you out a lil.
   — deborah D.

November 3, 2002
Let me help clarify since I am a RN. 100mcg (micrograms) is equal to 1 mg (miligram). Synthroid is commonly ordered in either mcg or mg. Good luck.
   — Cheryl W.

November 3, 2002
I hate to correct that nurse, but she is wrong. 1 milligram is equal to 1,000 micrograms - *not* 100...JR
   — John Rushton

November 3, 2002
I take the thyroid medication Levoxyl. It is just like Synthroid. My dosage is 0.125mgs. My 11 year old daughter take Synthroid and her dose is 50mcg or 0.05mg. Your dosage is in the middle of these. The amount they put you on depends on your lab values. Most doctors start with a low dosage and work up. I think this is a good dosage. Just remember it is very important to take it everyday-better if taken in the morning on an empty stomache. Do not take it at the same time you take vitamins as it it can decrease it effectiveness. I would take the vitamins at night. The tyroid does control so many things in the body-so it is VERY important to have it normalized prior to surgery. About taking it for the rest of your life, one never knows. Good luck
   — Jan S.