Diagnosis; 'Whom to treat' clearly shows anyone with TSH of 5 with symptoms should have levothyroxine...

Interesting (if still inadequate) article on treatment of Hypothyroidism. I was particularly interested in the section 'whom to treat' - scroll down, which clearly shows that people with a TSH of 5 with symptoms should be given levothyroxine.

I'm reading here that many GPs are not offering treatment with T4 to many who are around the TSH 5 level and being turned away until their TSH level goes higher. Here's something from the BMJ to send those experts!

I'm also interested in the link between hypo and the gut.

bmj.com/content/337/bmj.a80...

Good find from Ian from Thyroid friends

[PinkNinja]

Yes, this is especially useful for those being told they can't be treated until their TSH is above 10, as is still happening. I really feel for those poor people. I have been there myself.

Thanks for posting!

[Hidden in reply to PinkNinja]

I hope it will help.

I saw several posts here this week of people being turned away by their GPs because they were around TSH 5 and told to come back in 6 months/next year for another test... Shocking.

I also was over 10 before I was tested/treated and by this point I was on the verge of being disabled.

[helvella]

As someone treated when only the tiniest bit over local range (highest of several TSH tests, each one higher than the one before), I entirely endorse treating. With suitable thought and consideration, of course.

I had my dose slowly raised and am now on 100 mcg a day with an acceptable (for me) TSH of 1.26.

Rod

[Hidden in reply to helvella]

Yes - there needs to be much closer monitoring and earlier intervention if required. I wish I'd started levo therapy much earlier. I'm sure I'd visit the GP far less!

Liza

[ianessex]

Glad you found it of help ,,, my thyroid friend buddy,,

[Hidden in reply to ianessex]

Great find Ian and it reminded me of posts I'd seen here this week where people are suffering symptoms and being denied treatment...

[ianessex in reply to Hidden]

I like my links,, lol...

[Hidden in reply to ianessex]

me toooooooooooooooo!

[Marz]

...very good find ! Sorry couldn't find the link you mentioned re the gut !...no doubt a hypo moment

Read you diaries this morning - so very encouraging for those that struggle. so well written too.

x

[Hidden in reply to Marz]

Thank you Marz.

The gut is just mentioned in the article as being more likely to have a higher risk of other issues/conditions with hypo - this is what I meant! Sorry - I was not very clear

It's something I'm investigating at the moment.

I hope the diaries will encourage others - thanks!

x

[Marz in reply to Hidden]

..I think that is a good idea. Inflammation is often at the root of so much illness and in particular from the gut - the home of the immune system. I was diagnosed with Crohns some 40 years ago after a long illness of Ileo-caecal TB - so guts have always been of interest ! They were hard to ignore at times ! So much surgery and all that goes with it.

Feeling just fine now ! Enjoy your Sunday.......x

[Hidden in reply to Marz]

You too!

[Stourie]

I was tested for hypo about 20 years ago and was borderline twice. No treatment, then 13 years later was diagnosed with a tsh of over 100. Of course back then with no computer or folks to talk to the doctors word was just taken.

Jo xx

[Hidden in reply to Stourie]

I've just seen your comment Jo - I think the website changes caused a delay!

Yes - they can't get away with keeping us in the dark these days - I'm so thankful for the internet and sites such as this and ThyroidUK so that I never have to take the GPs word for it again.

I'm sure you must have suffered greatly... Liza xx