Hi I'm on 125mg thyroxine but every time I have a blood test Dr only test TSH

[onemum]

My Dr said he only needs to test my TSH levels the last test said it was 18? Can anyone tell me what TSH is and what levels it should be Many Thanks xx

[shaws Administrator]

Always get a copy of your blood test results from the surgery complete with the ranges (labs differ throughout the country and the ranges enable people to respond).

If your TSH is 18, hopefully you are on medication. The TSH the doctor should be aiming at is 1 or below (although many keep you within the 'normal' range but that's wrong.

Are you on medication - if so, it should be raised approx every 4 to 6 weeks to bring it at least to 1 and if you still have problems, it can go below that. The best question a GP can a patient who is on medication is 'how are you feeling' if fine - there's no need to increase. If not an increase is due or the addition of some T3 (although most will not prescribe even although it is the Active thyroid gland hormone we need) - your T4 (levo) is supposed to convert to enough T3.

PS Before the blood tests came in, people were dosed between 200mcg and 400mcg natural dessicated thyroid hormone (made from pigs/cows thyroid gland) and because we may be under-medicated that's why clinical symptoms don't go.

[onemum in reply to shaws]

Thank you for your reply I am on 125 mg of thyroxine, I feel ok not great I also have terrible itchy skin not sure if that's because of the thyroxine? Iv got so much to learn!! So glad I found this site. Big Think you x

[nostoneunturned]

TSH of 18? Start reading and learning - go on the main site at:

thyroiduk.org

for everything you need to know, it is just full of information. Get copies of blood tests as advised.

also buy Dr Anthony Toft's booklet Understanding thyroid Disorders, £5, Amazon/chemists, BMA publication, Dr Toft past president of BTA, read pp 88 if you are on medication - which, with a presumed TSH of 18, you must be, or should be.

[onemum in reply to nostoneunturned]

Thank you I will buy Dr Anthony Toft book. Iv got so much to learn thank you so much for your advice. Many Thanks claire x

[nostoneunturned in reply to onemum]

Once you get a copy of your blood test please would you post results plus ranges and also say how much medication you are on and for how long?

P88 DrT's book also has on red panel saying "correct medical care will also depend on careful assessment of symptoms and clinical examination", the ranges relating to his info under the heading Judging the correct dose of thyroxine are on P 87, and in addition you can get for your armoury his article in Pulse magazine which has more information useful for those who are languishing under treated or not treated at all. Just e-mail: [e-mail] asking for it.