Numbers????

[lalaloopsy]

My ths level is 0.01 and my T4 is 19.0 why am I so tired and my hair falling out? My doctor says reduce my tablets from 100 to 75 but will I be more tired, with 2 kids to look after I can't sleep all day it's miserable, why do the docs go.off numbers and not what your saying

[Hidden]

Hello lalaloopsy,

Your doctor is trying to keep your blood test results within range but some people function better with a suppressed TSH. (lower than range)

If your doctor reduces your meds you might feel worse so discuss this with him.

Ask for your Vit D, Vit B, folate and ferratin levels to be tested as any deficiencies can effect how Levothyroxine works.

Also ask for an antibodies blood test to see of you have Hashimotos Thyroiditis. There is no medical treatment for this but is it good to know so you may alter your life style to accommodate it.

Any results you have can be posted on here with the range (numbers in brackets) and great knowledgable people will give advice and tips.

Welcome to the forum, I hope to manage to feel better soon.

[lalaloopsy in reply to Hidden]

Thanx feeling pretty low at the mo, and this page really helps I'm pleased I found you, I'm waiting for a phone call from receptionist so I'll let you know! X

[Clutter]

Welcome to the forum, Lalaloopsy.

Have you been on 100mcg Levothyroxine for long? Symptoms can lag behind good biochemistry by several weeks.

Low/deficient ferritin, vitamin D, B12 and folate are common in hypothyroid patients and can cause fatigue, musculoskeletal pain and low mood very similar to hypothyroid symptoms. Ask your GP to test them and post the results with the lab ref ranges in a new questions and members will advise whether you should supplement.

[lalaloopsy in reply to Clutter]

I very been on thyroxine for 12 years I was on 125 but at Xmas it was lowered to 100, but I'm really tired and my hair falling out is very upsettin, everyone always says what pretty long curly hair I have!!

[Aurealis in reply to lalaloopsy]

Do you think your levels are too low Lalaloopsy? You're supposed to adjust dose until you feel well then have a test to see where your set point is. If you consult a doctor about dose they assume you can't adjust it yourself.try to be more assertive with the doctor eg I've come for an increase in dose because I feel levels are too low.

[Clutter in reply to lalaloopsy]

Lalaloopsy, Your suppressed TSH is probably why your GP wants to reduce your dose again and you're right, it is likely to increase your fatigue. I don't think you were overmedicated when those tests were done as FT4 is probably within range although your TSH is suppressed. Scroll down to Treatment Options and Guidelines in the link below to read the comments Dr. A. Toft made to Pulse Magazine about thyroid levels and dosing. If you want a copy of the full article to show your GP email [e-mail]

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

Low TSH + high FT4 usually means FT3 is good but sometimes conversion is suboptimal and low T3 is why we have fatigue and hypothyroid symptoms.

Ask your GP to order FT3 bloods to see whether you are converting sufficient T3 and ask for the ferritin, vitD, B12 and folate tests I recommended plus zinc. Low ferritin and zinc can both cause hairloss as well as low T3 and too much Levothyroxine if it's floating around not doing anything because it isn't converting to T3.

If your GP won't test FT3 you can order private blood tests from Blue Horizon and Genova via thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

[shaws Administrator in reply to lalaloopsy]

The doctor has no right to reduce your medication according to the TSH. They just haven't a clue and mistakenly think the patient is in danger if TSH is low but all they do is make the patient feel much worse with more symptoms.

My TSH was often 0.01 and it didn't cause doctors a problem.

Read the first two questions/answers on this link.

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

[Hidden]

I started to take an iron supplement yesterday and have felt an improvement already. I don't think its a coincidence. I certainly feel better than I did yesterday.

It may be worth getting your ferritin etc tested as others have said and also send off for an FT3 test. The finger prick tests from Blue Horizon are very reliable and easy to use.

Hope you feel some improvement soon.x

[eeng]

Also, when you do have a blood test, have it done first thing in the morning, having taken no thyroxine for a day before. That might get your TSH just that bit higher so the doctor doesn't panic. TSH is highest first thing in the morning. I have been known to stop the thyroxine 2-3 days before the test if necessary.

[lalaloopsy]

Well the Dr has finally rang me back after a week of waiting, I explained I'm extremely tired spending my day on sofa wrapped up because of the cold in my hands n feet, my hair is falling out, and I feel faint, all he said was this us normal for thyroid symptoms if it doesn't improve come back in 3 months time, for the first time in a long while I've sat and cried I can't go on like this another 3 months I asked again for further tests he just repeated it's normal!

[faith63]

There are at least 20 reasons for non conversion..mine is due to inflammation i am pretty sure.