Up coming blood test

[Diva14]

I have hypothyroid (hashimotos) Im on 125mg of levothyroxine. Im still getting symptoms, extreme tiredness, cold, achy joints, brain fog. I have read quite abit about blood tests and have noticed on mine they dont check for T3 levels. I watch Sucy Cohen on utube explaining about T4 and T3. I spoke to my doctor and he says I do not need my T3 check as im hypo not hyper. Im going on wednesday for another blood test. should I insist they check my T3 levels. What else should Ibe asking them to check for. Very confused

[Clutter]

Diva, your GP is assuming low TSH and mid-high level FT4 means you are converting adequate FT3. Without FT3 it is impossible to see how well, or if, you are converting sufficient T3. Even if your GP agrees to order the test most labs decline to test FT3 unless TSH is suppressed <0.03 or your GP is very insistent about it.

You can order your own FT3 test from Blue Horizon or Genova via thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

Ask your GP to test ferritin, vitamin D, B12 and folate as hypothyroid patients are often deficient/low and these deficiencies can cause musculoskeletal pain, fatigue and low mood similar to hypothyroid symptoms. Post your results with the lab ref ranges (the figures in brackets after your results) in a new question and members will advise whether supplementation is required.

[Diva14 in reply to Clutter]

These were my last results done in march.

Serum FSH 4.9

Serum LH level 2.9

Serum oestradiol level 72 pmol/L

Serum B12 262ng/L

Serum folate 3.9 ug/L

Serum TSH 1.4 mlU/L

Serum free T4 14pmol/L

Doctor gave me Folic acid to take but has now stopped this. It didnt make any difference by taking this.

I will post my new results when I get them next week.

Thank you

[Clutter in reply to Diva14]

Diva, You could ask for an increase of 25mcg as your TSH is may be a little high for comfort and your FT4 is low (as far as I can tell as you haven't included the ref range). TSH of people on medication is usually comfortable just above or below 1.0. Scroll down to Guidelines and Treatment Options to read Dr. A. Toft's comments in Pulse Magazine thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_... If you want a copy of the article to show your GP email [e-mail]

Your B12 is very low and I recommend supplementing methylcobalamin 5,000mcg sublingual lozenges, spray or patches for 6/8 weeks and then cut back to 1-2,000mcg daily. Take a B complex tablet too which will have the RDA of folic acid and will keep the other B vitamins balanced.

I can't help with the sex hormones.

When you post your new results please also include the lab ref ranges (the figures in brackets after your results) as it helps members to interpret the results.

[shaws Administrator]

It has been proven in research that T4/T3 is better than T4 alone, as it appears to improve symptoms. Lots of patients are improved if they are fortunate to be prescribed T3 to a reduced T4.

thyroid.about.com/od/thyroi...

[Marz]

B12 way too low....

b12deficiency.info/signs-an...

All the other advice is excellent - just wanted you to learn more about B12 as Docs seem to keep missing the importance of it....informing ourselves with good information is a big step to finding wellness.