Comments on my blood results gratefully awaited.I really should understand it better.

[pottyrai]

Dr agreed for me to have last 3 blood results

July 2012=serum TSH 0.02mu/l

Serum free T4 16.8pmol/l

The result that prompted the drop of doseage from 150mcg to 125mcg was April 2013 as follows:- TSH <0.01mu/l

T4 19.6pmol/l

Following 6 weeks blood taken and stated satisfactory even with all my unsatisfactory issues.June TSH 0.06mu/l

T4 16.4

I have reverted to my 150mcg and feel brighter but have I done the right thing? Thanks in anticipation. RAI

[helvella Administrator]

Except in extreme cases, the doctor effectively has no say in your access to your results:

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/NHS_In...

Making it look as if he is doing you a favour by agreeing to you having those last three blood results makes him look condescending and smarmy. Oh, and arrogant.

We really need the reference ranges as well! If 19.6 is within the reference range for FT4 then what you have done seems entirely reasonable. The marginal difference in TSH at the extreme is, in my opinion, of little importance.

Rod

[pottyrai in reply to helvella]

TSH<0.01mu/l with range (0,25-5.00)

T4 19.6 pmol/l " (12.0-25.0)

[helvella Administrator in reply to pottyrai]

Well 19.6 is well within range!

It is only the TSH which is questionable - and that is being used as an indicator of thyroid hormone levels. If it is not doing that right, the reason should be questioned rather than the medicine cut!

Rod

[pottyrai in reply to helvella]

Thank you are there other tests I should request, many thanks for responding, Rai

[pottyrai in reply to helvella]

what reasons would cause TSH to be<0.01 . I had total throidectomy 15 years ago.

[helvella Administrator in reply to pottyrai]

The obvious thing to suggest is hypopituitary but I would not leap to the conclusion that is it.

Rod

[pottyrai in reply to helvella]

What should I do next? sorry Rod but need to keep on looking.Rai

[helvella Administrator in reply to pottyrai]

If I have understood right, your doctor is not exactly helping you.

I suggest an appointment with a different doctor - say make an appointment on a day your GP doesn't work - and/or ask for a referral to an endocrinologist.

I fear that you cannot expect to get the issues properly investigated and resolved unless you do something like this.

Rod

[PinkNinja]

If you feel better and, as Rod says, your T4 is in range then you have probably done the right thing

TSH is pretty useless in hypothyroid patients on medication. T4 and T3 are far more important.

I hope your improvements continue

Carolyn x

[pottyrai in reply to PinkNinja]

Thank you. was feeling so frustrated before being able to ask "silly" questions.(gp)

Really finding this site excellent.