Thyroid test results. Decipher help please.

Hello everyone.

Finally saved enough money to have tests done privately as GP can't seen to get the lab to do them.

I take 50mcg of levothyroxine, and have done so for close on 3 years.

Test results came back today:-

TSH 3.330 uIU/ml (0.270 - 4.200)

Free T4 12.2 pmol/L (12 - 22)

Free T3 2.8 pmol/L (3.1 - 6.8)

Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies 194.8 IU/ml

Negative - less than 60

Equivocal - 60 - 100

Positive - more than 100

I also have B12, Iron and Folic acid deficiency for which I take medication. I have been told this can affect the readings - Is that true?

[rosetrees]

In my opinion you are blatantly hypothyroid with your T4 at the bottom of the range and your T3 (the active hormone that your body uses) below range.

Go back to your doctor and ask for an increase in your thyroxine. If it's any help at all, when I was on 50mcg my TSH fell to 2.6. My GP tried to tell me I didn't need to do anything more. I simply said that I still felt awful and could I try increasing it - please. He gave in immediately. Mind you, I did totally lose it with his colleague a few weeks previously to get prescribed any thyroxine at all.

[Hidden in reply to rosetrees]

Thank you for the reply. I will book an appointment as soon as possible.

[Moggie]

Go back to your GP with these results in your hand and ask him for his "advise" (it's no good getting up his nose). Play ignorant if it helps and ask him to explain what they mean - even though you know what they mean - and his advise as to what to do next.

Keep reminding him that you still feel awful and could these results give the answers why.

I have learnt one really important word when dealing with medical people and that word is WHY. Keep asking it whenever you dont feel comfortable with his answers.

No your results are fine - then Why do I feel so ill, Why does this state that my FT3 is below reference range, Why is my FT4 so low. Why can I not have a three month trial of 75mcg's or 100mcg's of levo. Tie him in knots with the word WHY until he will give you what you need just to get your out of his consulting room.

Also ask for these results to be added to your medical records (make a copy first though).

Moggie x

[Hidden in reply to Moggie]

Thank you for the input. I must admit I get tied in knots when I have to deal with my Gp, she reminds me of my old headmistress right down to peering over her glasses when she disaproves.

Certainly worth a try though as I can't go on feeling like this.

[shaws Administrator]

Go to the question dated November 20, 2002 for Dr Lowe's response to a low dose. Some links within may not work as it is an archived site:-

web.archive.org/web/2010103...

[Hidden in reply to shaws]

Thank you.