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Can Thyroxine Cause Fluctuating BP Levels?
Question: Hi im a female 38 years old. Ive been taking levothyroxind for 20 years. Five years ago i started having high nlood preasure on and off. I think it relates to stress but can thyroxine be the cause of my BP? I read that is one of the side effects. On thr other hand i would like to be off the medicine. Is that possible? Is there any contradiction when you try to get out of the medicine?
Brief Answer:
Thyroid
Detailed Answer:
1 Levothyroxine when taken in excessive amounts can cause high blood pressure
The best way to know if you are getting too much is to get a blood test for TSH and Free T4. This does not require you to fast and can be done at any time of the day or night.
2 Regarding your question as to whether or not you can do without this medication, there are few things to note:
Was your baseline TSH at the outset before you started levo thyroxine, or at any point during the time that you have been on this medication, very high? (ie above 20?)
If yes, it is quite likely you have permanent hypothyroidism ie an under active thyroid.
Another way to determine if you have this condition or not, is to do a blood test for thyroid auto antibodies:
Anti TPO (thyroid peroxidase) and anti Thyroglobulin antibodies.
If even any one of these is positive, then it s extremely likely you need this medication for the rest of your life.
There are other subtle pointers to make this distinction too but it requires the opportunity to be examined in person preferably by an endocrinologist.
Those with hypothyroidism and any one of the following conditions should not aim for aggressive doses :
Chest pains from heart disease
Irregular heart rhythm problems
Severe untreated osteoporosis
Thyroid
Detailed Answer:
1 Levothyroxine when taken in excessive amounts can cause high blood pressure
The best way to know if you are getting too much is to get a blood test for TSH and Free T4. This does not require you to fast and can be done at any time of the day or night.
2 Regarding your question as to whether or not you can do without this medication, there are few things to note:
Was your baseline TSH at the outset before you started levo thyroxine, or at any point during the time that you have been on this medication, very high? (ie above 20?)
If yes, it is quite likely you have permanent hypothyroidism ie an under active thyroid.
Another way to determine if you have this condition or not, is to do a blood test for thyroid auto antibodies:
Anti TPO (thyroid peroxidase) and anti Thyroglobulin antibodies.
If even any one of these is positive, then it s extremely likely you need this medication for the rest of your life.
There are other subtle pointers to make this distinction too but it requires the opportunity to be examined in person preferably by an endocrinologist.
Those with hypothyroidism and any one of the following conditions should not aim for aggressive doses :
Chest pains from heart disease
Irregular heart rhythm problems
Severe untreated osteoporosis
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you. Im waiting for my blood test result. Ive been taking this med for 20 years. But now i feel is time to get out of it. Can i try reducing the dose myself? I take 88 mcg. Im also taking lorazepam for theblood preasure. It goes up simetimes and sometimes down. Not sure if it is realated to the levothyroxine or anxiety...
Brief Answer:
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
Kindly do not adjust the dose yourself. It is best left to the endocrinologists' discretion. Thyroid matters can be complex to manage, even though they may appear simple.
Lorazepam is not a forma blood pressure lowering medication as such. See your doctor for the fluctuating blood pressure to understand what could be the reason. Yes anxiety certainly plays a role.
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
Kindly do not adjust the dose yourself. It is best left to the endocrinologists' discretion. Thyroid matters can be complex to manage, even though they may appear simple.
Lorazepam is not a forma blood pressure lowering medication as such. See your doctor for the fluctuating blood pressure to understand what could be the reason. Yes anxiety certainly plays a role.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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