Blood test

[M1n1-mum]

Hi, I have had the usual hypo symptoms recently on 75mg levo a day, so GP agreed to thyroid function test. The only result is Serum TSH Level 3.38 (range 0.27 - 4.20). GP says the dose of thyroxine is correct - which doesn't help me, I don't think he'll perform more tests with this result - I would welcome any comments/suggestions please.

[Hidden]

Hi, have you been on the site tpauk, great, helpful site. You can post your blood results n get advice. Do you know the USA have reduced the upper limit of the range down to 3. That would mean I would be treated there and you would have your dose adjusted!

[helvella Administrator in reply to Hidden]

Did you know that the USA did not reduce their upper limit of TSH to 3? Has been discussed here many times with the input of several USA dwellers.

However, I am really struggling to understand why someone would post here to say "go to <anotherplace>" (by which I mean absolutely any other place). The way you have written it rather implies that here is not great and not helpful. M1n1-mum has posted here and can very reasonably expect to get some helpful responses.

Rod

[Clutter]

M1n1-mum, you're undermedicated. TSH should be just above or below 1.0 for people on thyroid meds although some people need it in the lower range, or even suppressed, to feel well.

Scroll down to Treatment Options to read Dr. A. Toft's comments in Pulse Magazine thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

Email [e-mail] if you want a copy of the article to show your GP.

[helvella Administrator in reply to Clutter]

Agreed Clutter. I know I would be back in "symptom zone" with TSH there. I am quite happy a bit above 1.

Rod

[crimple]

Your doc is an ......! You are on medication therefore he should not be applying the "within range rule" As per other posts you need to have TSH near to 1. In your shoes I would try taking 100mcg daily or alternate 75/100mcg and see how you feel. I find it helps to be "going on holiday and therefore I need double prescription" !!

[M1n1-mum]

Thank you for your replies. GP has referred me to an endo as he doesn't know why I still have the symptoms when I'm in range - guess this is not an area of expertise for him! I will persue the increased dose. You have reassured me that I'm not going mad, I was devastated when the result came in as normal - and I feel so ill, almost as bad as when I was first diagnosed two years ago.

[chloemcm]

I'm in exactly the same position for nearly a year. "Normal" results and all the hypo symptoms. Neither GP or endo will increase my thyroxine from 50mcg daily. Life has become a complete struggle. I'm scared to self but I'm desperate to try anything at this stage - any suggestions - please PM me.

[teacherspet]

Been there done that. My GP kept saying dose was fine just because I was in range at 4.2. She ordered another blood test saying it had been 6 months since last one but I think she just wanted to shut me up. When I phoned for results I was told I had to see a doctor (refused to see original GP) and the first appointment was with a locum who agreed with my suggestion that a small increase of Levo could help with symptoms but still keep me in range - then he saw the result of the test, TSH 9.9 (range 0.3 - 5.5) and I got my dose doubled 50 mcg to 100mcg as he said that needed more than just tinkering with the dose.

Saw an Endo earlier this year and when I gave him a brief history he said "Well you got there in the end." My heart sank at his attitude with no thought of my two wasted years waiting for my TSH to slowly rise above the range - then they wonder why you aren't happy and try and label you as depressed.

I hope you get an increase sooner rather than later.