As suggested I now have my latest results. Took quite a while to get them. I am not sure if the results I have indicate my oestrogen levels but the endo was pretty alarmed as to how low they are. I had hormone fed breast cancer 20 years ago and treatment caused chemical menopause. Seem I am stuck with that as no chance of hormone replacement. When I asked endo if there was any treatment or should I make an appointment to discuss the answer was. No! That's it. Well here are my thyroid results which they say are almost normal ,
Free T3 4.5 - range (3.9 - 6.7)
Free T4 16.5 - range (12 - 22)
TSH 0.21 range (0.27 - 4.2).
There is a letter to my GP to offer masking drugs for the many effects I have been. "Living" with for so long Clonidine or Gabapentin but the side effects look terrifying.
Clutter I hope you can help suggest my next move.
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It would be very helpful if posters referring to deceased practitioners would make that clear. We have seen several references to Drs Skinner and Lowe which have caused posters' hearts to beat a little faster, and their hopes to rise, only to be dashed when they find out.
Thanks, you are right. Up then quickly down. I have started research for alternate help as I think I will just go round in circles with the care (used loosely )offered to me through usual routes.
Thanks for the name though. I have just written to Dr Sarah Mayhill. Hopefully I will hear back as she seems hugely over subscribed. Thanks for answering
Muriel, Your results aren't bad but I don't think they are optimal and I think there is room for a dose increase to boost your FT4 and FT3. That will almost certainly suppress your TSH which may alarm your doctor.
Dr Toft states in Pulse Magazine, "The appropriate dose of levothyroxine is that which restores euthyroidism and serum TSH to the lower part of the reference range - 0.2-0.5mU/l.
In this case, free thyroxine is likely to be in the upper part of its reference range or even slightly elevated – 18-22pmol/l. Most patients will feel well in that circumstance.
But some need a higher dose of levothyroxine to suppress serum TSH and then the serum-free T4 concentration will be elevated at around 24-28pmol/l.
This 'exogenous subclinical hyperthyroidism' is not dangerous as long as serum T3 is unequivocally normal – that is, serum total around T3 1.7nmol/l (reference range 1.0-2.2nmol/l)."
Email louise.warvill@thyroiduk.org.uk if you want a full copy of the article to show your GP.
I don't know know how low oestrogen impacts on thyroid or how you can raise it without taking HRT or natural supplements which you've been advised to avoid.
I am digesting your reply. Just a bit of a learning curve. But then again even if I learn my gps and obviously the endos are not listening. All feeling a bit overwhelming. Got to find a new route and a safe way to maybe self medicate now? Such a struggle when I feel so lacking in drive. Thanks clutter for your information.
Muriel, the bane of a thyroid patient's life is doctors thinking results somewhere, usually mid range, is good. It may be for a few but it isn't optimal for most. If your doctors won't agree an increase then consider self medicating. A 25mcg dose increase may make an improvement and is unlikely to cause your FT4 and FT3 to rise even to the top of range let alone go over it although TSH will drop a little.
Yo should also ask for ferritin, vitamin D, B12 and folate to be tested as low levels can cause musculoskeletal pain, fatigue and low mood similar to hypothyroid symptoms.
I am going to see my GP and discuss but I think he will stick with the endos findings . My next endo is in June but I may look at self meds before then and be back for best advice as to how I go about this. I have taken your advice pereviously and had marked improvement in painfull swollen joints and lessening of numbness in hands but still very lethargic, emotional etcetera. I now take b12, D3, folate, C, magnesium, and zinc. My ferritin was high so I have not supplemented? It was very helpful advice. And though the outcome was not as desired at least I knew what they were talking about, and was armed to challenge as I doubt I would of had the tests I did without my spattering of knowledge from you and others on this site. Thanks clutter
Muriel, I'm glad the vits/mins advice helped. You shouldn't supplement when ferritin is high which may have been due to the inflammation in your joints. Ask for ferritin to be retested in 6 months.
You'll get plenty of help if you decide to self med to supplement your prescription.
Your T3 isn't even mid-range. I Don't know how that can be 'nearly normal'. I doubt if your endo would like his T3 to be that low! I think he's only looking at the TSH, which is totally irrelevant here.
Your T4 isn't quite mid-range, either. So you definately need a dose increase.
I Don't know anything about estrogen, but I have been told that it's difficult to get the thyroid hormone dose right with low estrogen. You might want to check that out.
Thanks greygoose. I can see the are not optimum. And nice to have that confirmed. It is confusing as low thyroid and low oestrogen have same similar symptoms. My vit d was rock bottom too so I load dosed on that and some symptoms were improved. However life is slow as I work all week and sleep most of the weekends. I am determined to get help as low energy and lack of motivation are stealing my quality of life away from me. Any help offered great fully received
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