Medication before tests

[lal2502]

Hi Just a quick question please? If I am getting my annual blood test to check my levels am I supposed to not take my thyroxine?

I have always taken it as normal but bit confused as have read several posts saying not to as it affects the results. Or is this just for those who take NDT?

Thank you x

[Clutter]

Lal, Take your Levothyroxine after the thyroid blood test. Try to allow 20-24hours from your last dose otherwise peak levels of Levothyroxine in your blood can show a false low TSH.

[lal2502 in reply to Clutter]

Thanks Clutter that makes so much sense. Wish I'd known that before. At least I can tell members of my family who suffer too.

Thanks again x

[joyce59 in reply to Clutter]

hadnt considered that before but having said that my last gp took me off levothyroxine saying my thyroid had healed (the problem came back a month later).in the meantime i bought some iodine supplements from a health shop but was told by a thyroid expert not to take them as it would give a false reading when i was next tested.

[Clutter in reply to joyce59]

Joyce, unfortunately some GPs think that once thyroid levels are within range it is problem sorted and no more hormone replacement is needed. Just shows how woefully lacking their medical training is.

[joyce59 in reply to Clutter]

very true clutter i tried to reason with them but in the end they said i was imaging things and refered me to a mental health nurse. i was then rushed to the A and E department of my local hospital where i work as a nurse myself (think at this point is where the thyroid became underactive again). part of my job involves caring for thyroid patients having radio iodine treatment yet i felt my own needs were not taken seriously. i have now however gone to another surgery where they tested the antibodies which were gave a high reading so i am now back on the levothyroxine.

[Ruthi]

Also get your test done as early in the morning as possible. TSH levels vary throughout the day, being at their highest early in the day. So given the way doctors look at TSH way more than other thyroid readings, it makes sense to test early.

So that's first thing test, at least 20 hours after your last dose.