Levels

[pingaling]

TSH 17.35 above high ref. limit

T4 6.7 below ref. limit

These are my results could somebody tell me what they mean?

Thanks for your time.

[PinkNinja]

They mean you have hypothyroidism and need thyroid replacement treatment such a levothyroxine (the one usually prescribed in the UK).

Basically it means that your thyroid isn't producing enough thyroid hormones, such as T4 and T3, which is why your T4 level is so low.

When your thyroid doesn't produce enough T3 and T4 the brain signals to the pituitary gland to make more TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) to tell the thyroid to produce more thyroid hormone. If the thyroid isn't capable of doing this, the pituitary just produces more and more TSH. This is why your TSH is high.

You can find more information on the main Thyroid UK website thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/index....

specifically here thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

I hope this helps

Carolyn x

[pingaling]

Is it very low because I had no symptoms pre diagnosis so I'm a bit puzzled by this whole mess. Thanks

[PinkNinja]

Are these the levels that you were diagnosed from, i.e. before you started treatment? Are you on treatment now? If so, what and how much?

Some people don't experience symptoms until their levels are worse. Some experience symptoms long before they are diagnosed. We are all so very different.

[pingaling]

I had a random blood test and my cholesterol level 7.8 which I think is more worrying. I'm taking thyroxine and been taking it post blood test results. I felt ok before, now I just feel jaded and disinterested in life. Thank you for getting back to me it's very helpful.

[shaws Administrator in reply to pingaling]

A higher cholesterol level is one of the clinical symptoms of hypothyroidism and should reduce when you reach optimum thyroid hormone medication. The aim is for your TSH to be 1 or below.

Your medication can be taken either a.m. and having breakfast half to an hour later or at bedtime, leaving a gap of 2 hours after eating. It should be taken with a full glass of water.

livestrong.com/article/4769...

When next getting a blood test do not take your medication until after your test and it is best to have one early morning.

Always get a copy of your blood tests for your own reference and you can post some results if you have a query.

P S. If you reply to a comment press the blue Reply to this otherwise an email isn't forwarded.

[pingaling in reply to shaws]

Thanks I think as I felt ok and not suicidal as I do now I might just give up the meds. I don't want quantity but quality in my life and the way I now feel is way below par.

[PinkNinja in reply to pingaling]

It may be that you are not on a high enough dose yet.

Other possibilities include low iron (it's a good idea to supplement if your ferritin is below 70), low vitamin B12 (if it's below 500 you need to supplement), folate or vitamin D. It might be worth getting these checked. Iron, in particular, can leave you feeling pretty rubbish when you take thyroid hormones because it isn't being used properly. It is important to get good iron levels for your cells to be able to use thyroxine properly.

Don't take iron supplements unless you know your iron is low. Too much iron can be as bad as too little.

[pingaling in reply to PinkNinja]

Thanks that's helpful.