Advice on results please.....

[amh6971]

Always had hypothyroidism. Always seemed to work well on 125mg of Levothyroxine. In May this year got my bloods too and TSH serum level was 7.52 mU/L and my doctors upped me to 150mg. The doctor told me that i always run "slightly low". Got my bloods took a few weeks back after taking 150mg for 3 months and the resukts were 1.41 mU/L. I still dont feel myself and just wondered what others thought about these results.

[Clutter]

amh6971, Lovely bit of patient blaming there. You aren't "running low" your GP has kept you low. Most people are comfortable with TSH just above or below 1.0. If you're feeling hypo ask for a dose increase and hope your GP isn't fixated with TSH being within range. Read the comments about dosing and thyroid levels in Treatment Options thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_... Email [e-mail] for a full copy of the Pulse article if it will be helpful to show your GP.

It's worth asking your GP to test FT4 as TSH is a pituitary hormone and doesn't tell whether T4 thyroid hormone is sufficient.

[amh6971 in reply to Clutter]

I have tried asking them to increase my dose but they dont listen. Was thinking about upping it myself by 25mg and see how i get on. Just dont want to send it overactive and then i end up feeling worse.

[Hidden in reply to amh6971]

amh6971,

Don't do anything without having T4 tested.

If GP is resistant you can get a full thyroid panel done privately at link below..even with discounts.

F

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

[Clutter in reply to amh6971]

Amh, you could try 150/175 alternate days, that's equivalent to 12.5mcg increase daily.

[amh6971 in reply to Clutter]

Good idea. I may try that and see if that helps. The weight gain is the thing that is annoying me because i have worked my backside off to lose 60lb and now its just creeping back on.

[Clutter in reply to amh6971]

Amh, it was a huge triumph to lose 60lbs. It's disgraceful your doctor let your TSH rise so high and compromise your health and efforts.

[Hidden]

Hello amh6971,

A TSH of 7.25 is too high and might have made you feel very symptomatic as well as encouraging the weight gain you were noticing.

Upping your dose has reduced TSH to 1.41 which is big improvement. Don't forget that symptoms can lag behind good biochemistry by up to 6 weeks so it may still be awhile before you feel the FULL benefit of your dose raise.

Many members function at their best with a TSH of 1.0 which is below the recommended range that GP's are advised to work within.

It would be more helpful to members if when you post test results, to include the ranges (numbers in brackets) please as these can vary from area to area. Also was your T4 tested with your TSH?

Thyroid meds will better in the body with optimal nutrient levels. Many people with thyroid problems suffer deficiencies in Vit D, Vit B12, Folate and Ferritin so it is wise to ask your doctor to test these.

Hope you feel better soon

Flower

[amh6971 in reply to Hidden]

Hello Flower. Thanks for your reply. The numbers are 0.3 to 4.5. I just dont want to up my dose myself and do more damage than good. The only time i have had T4 done was when i was diagnosed in 2008. I get my b12 jab every three months.

[amh6971]

I only ever get the results i posted earlier. I get a b12 jab every three months if that helps.