About ten months ago during a routine check up / followed by blood and lipid panel it was discovered that my TSH levels were high. My FT4 and T3 levels however were in normal range. I was placed on Levothyroxine to treat what they diagnosed as Hashimoto’s which of course is a form of hypothyroidism. I however had absolutely no physical or noticible symptoms. Over the past year I have had 3 blood tests since my baseline was obtained and dosage chaged from 50 to 75 to 88 to 75mcmg. My triglycerides levels have gone up from 75 to 180 over that period of time. The only variable that has changed was being placed on this medication. This is alarming to me that the doctor has not pointed this out and I have no history (or family history) of high triglycerides. What could be causing this? From research I have done if I had hypothryroidism the triglycerides should have been elevated prior and the medication would have helped however I am experiencing the opopposite. Any insight to this occurance would be gratefully accepted. Thank you.
Hypertriglyceridemia in the setting of hypothyroidism is more often observed in women than men. The most likely suspect in this situation is the thyroxine you are taking but it can also be a variety of other factors.
In layman’s terms, thyroxine is a synthetic thyroid hormone that is inactive until is broken down in the liver to produce active thyroid hormone T3. The liver is also the source of triglycerides. In some people, the process of breaking down thyroxine into T3 also releases triglycerides which may result in hypertriglyceridemia. Other causes of hypertriglyceridemia include copper, calcium, or magnesium deficiencies, as well as estrogen therapy.
Although a triglyceride level of 180 is not a desirable outcome, there is tremendous benefit in becoming euthyroid (normal thyroid hormone values). However, you should follow your triglycerides and cholesterol closely and if they continue to rise, you may need to alter your medications.
