Help with results please

[ovended]

Hi

Many thanks for your replies. I have since had another test and also got my T3 results and my reference range as follows:

TSH 6.43 (0.35 - 5.5)

T4 13.1 (10 - 19.8)

T3 3.6 (3.5 - 6.5)

The doctors have asked me to go in to talk about my TSH as it's on the high side. Any tips and what should I be asking ....??

Many thanks in advance.

[Hidden]

Hello ovended,

As advised in previous posts your TSH is too high and your T4 & T3 is too low.

Most people would feel very unwell with these results. I only function well with a suppressed THS level of less than 1.0.

This level can be achieved by a dose increase of Levothyroxine. However if you have vitamin or mineral deficiencies (caused by years of a mistreated thyroid condition) these can stop your thyroid meds from working properly.

Your first stop should be to get Vit B12, Vit D, Folate and Ferritin tested by your doctor and post results with ranges (numbers in brackets). Your GP may say your results are normal but people with thyroid issues need to keep optimum levels and this forum will advise.

Also ask to be tested for thyroid antibodies (TGAb and TPOAb) as this will determine the presence of Hashimotos Thyroiditis which is prevalent in people with thyroid issues and if left unmanaged, can effect thyroid meds.

Your Doctor may waffle on about your TSH being within range. Doctors are given a guideline on how to treat hypothyroidism but unfortunately many people feel unwell if kept within those frames.

[jimh111]

Given the symptoms you describe in earlier posts you are simply undermedicated. It is likely you will feel better when your fT4 is around the 18.0 mark, but in any event your signs and symptoms should take precedence over the blood test results. If your TSH should go low but your fT3 stays below 5.0 and the fT4 does not go high then they should not rely on the TSH. Sometimes the 'set point', the level at which the TSH tries to regulate your fT3 and fT4 can be down-regulated in thyroid patients, in which case the TSH figure is not much use.

I'd ask for a 25 mcg increase in levothyroxine and if after a couple of months you haven't recovered then another blood test and another 25 mcg increase, but only if the fT4 is still below 18.0. High fT4 levels can lead to high levels of 'reverse T3' a form of T3 that blocks thyroid homone action. If you do not get better with an fT4 near the upper limit then post again as your case will be more complex.

You don't say where your blood test results come from, I assume from your doctor or a reliable private assay.

[ovended in reply to jimh111]

Many thanks to you both for your help. I saw the doctor this morning - it was a bit of a struggle but I managed to get my meds increased by 25mcg (she kept telling me that I was only just outside of normal and it was fine). I have also managed to get my Vit B12, Vit D, Folate and Ferritin tested when I go back in 3 months for a blood test so I will see if there are any deficiencies there either. She refused any tests for the thyroid antibodies (TGAb and TPOAb) and said it was completely unnecessary.

I have to say the appointment didn't start well - I explained why I was there (because of the last blood test) and she told me then that everything was fine - she didn't even know I have been taking thyroxin since 1996!

My blood tests previously were from my GP.

[jimh111]

"she kept telling me that I was only just outside of normal and it was fine". It's you who says whether you are fine, not her. See how you go on the extra 25 mcg, try and keep a little note of what is better or worse. Then take stock of the situation in a month or two and take it from there.

[ovended in reply to jimh111]

Many thanks