On re-reading your question, you say you have never had a T4 or T3 test. Are you talking about your natural T4/T3 that your own body produces? You do not say if you have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism but say you have taken 25mcg and then 50mcg levo.
With a high TSH and palpitations it would seem to me that you are not on enough medication. (although sometimes levo can give palps too).
If you can get a new blood test from your GP (or if you have a recent one get a copy of them from your surgery complete with the ranges) and post them on a new question. Also get a Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, iron, ferritin and folate.
Regarding you thinking you would have improved on going from 25mcg to 50mcg levo - these are usually starting doses and a blood test should have been done about every six weeks with an increase in meds till you felt well - not the GP diagnosing by your TSH only.
I see my reply to Butty, just above. If GP not able to do the Free T3 test, common . Then have TSH, T4 and Free T3 done on line. It is essential to have these 3 tests together to know what is happening. Not safe to take Free T3 without a test, You may well need less T4 ( levo) and a littleT3, however, Free T3 must never go over range, so test first vital. Also 6 weeks after any change in meds. t3 needs splitting into 2 doses about 12 hour apart. Also , always build up slowly to the prescribed dose as that way less die effects. Common with T3. Normally starting dose is 10 or 20 mcg per day. It makes a huge difference, if you need it It does lower the TSH.
I use Blue Horizon ,main page for my thyroid tests. Never go through a private hospital, very expensive. They do a finger prick or venous blood. However, both fine and Lab well known. Your GP etc may fill B.H phial full of blood for you. Quote TUK10 for discount £60-£70
Thankyou Jackie £60-£70 looks much better than some of the prices i seen earlier this morning. I will ask dr to do the tests ill just say i need them done so they can see that there is a problem with me being on levo alone and hope they agree ....id have more joy getting blood out of a stone i think. Hopefully endo agrees to a trial of something today or insists i have a blood test as my dr claims i dont need one until next year
Hi Mandy, My GP like that, have actually said that to her! Water and ducks!
Who ever prescribes the bloods ( 3) are essential for your own safety, especially the heart. It is usually the NHS Labs,, the managers, little Hitlers, who will not do the FT3, costs. Mostly hospital Labs for in/out patients will.Make sure you have all the tests from the Endo.If good, usually automatic.Then phone the sec for results + ranges, unless Endo sends them to you, some do.
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what's my T4 \"problem\"
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T4 / T3 AND TSH - WHAT A CRAZY RIDE!
