Blood Results

[Jo29]

I had to call the receptionist today for results of bloods I had done last week. She said TSH was 0.18 and was suppressed. My T4 was 12. Antibodies are normal as was the FBC. Any thoughts?

[Clutter]

Jo29, What was the FT4 ref range (figures in brackets after results)? It depends on the ref range whether FT4 is high or low in range. TSH 0.18 is below range but isn't suppressed. <0.1 is considered suppressed by some but more often it is <0.03.

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I am not a medical professional and this information is not intended to be a substitute for medical guidance from your own doctor. Please check with your personal physician before applying any of these suggestions.

[Jo29 in reply to Clutter]

Hi Clutter, The T4 range is 8-21. She said the GP doesn't need to see me but does that mean my dose of Levo is ok at 100/125mg on alternate days?

[greygoose in reply to Jo29]

I would think your dose was too low, because your FT4 is low. But doctors tend to only look at the TSH and ignore the other tests.

But, how do you feel? Do you feel OK on that dose? Or do you have symptoms still?

[Jo29 in reply to greygoose]

Hi greygoose. Thank you for your reply. I'm still not happy with the Levo as my dose has changed so much over the last three years and I continue to feel worse and worse as time goes on. My joints are so painful and I'm constantly exhausted along with terrible memory, I forget everything! I've been considering NDT for a while.

[Clutter in reply to Jo29]

Jo29, Your GP must think that 100/125mcg is sufficient or dose would have been raised. If you are still symptomatic there is room for a dose increase as your FT4 is low, less than halfway through range,even though TSH is low.

_________________________________________________________________________

I am not a medical professional and this information is not intended to be a substitute for medical guidance from your own doctor. Please check with your personal physician before applying any of these suggestions.

[Jo29 in reply to Clutter]

Still symptomatic clutter, just seems to get worse with aching joints, exhaustion and memory fog etc. Bordering on trying NDT but a bit scared to take the plunge!

[shaws Administrator in reply to Jo29]

There's no reason to be 'scared' after all it has been in use successfully in some form since 1892.

If you want to be more cautious you could add some T3 to a reduced T4 (levo). Ask your GP if he would allow you to trial for three months some T3. If not you could may try it yourself. The latest research shows that 1 to 3 combination works best (T3/T4).

[Jo29 in reply to shaws]

Thank you, I'll have a chat with my GP, although I doubt she'll agree with T3 or NDT. I'll give some thought to going it alone. Sorry but what does 1 to 3 combination T3/T4 mean?

[Clutter in reply to Jo29]

Jo29, ask your GP about a dose increase and ask her to check ferritin, vitamin D, B12 and folate. Low/deficient levels are common in hypothyroid patients and can cause musculoskeletal pain, fatigue and low mood similar to hypothyroid symptoms. I think low FT4 is likely to be the main culprit though.

__________________________________________________________________

I am not a medical professional and this information is not intended to be a substitute for medical guidance from your own doctor. Please check with your personal physician before applying any of these suggestions.

[Jo29 in reply to Clutter]

Thank you, I'll have a chat with the GP when I can get an appointment and maybe try T3 before I move to NDT. Your answers are much appreciated.

[Clutter in reply to Jo29]

Jo29, NDT is just T3 + T4. Maybe add a little T3 to Levothyroxine and see how you feel before trying NDT.

_____________________________________________________

I am not a medical professional and this information is not intended to be a substitute for medical guidance from your own doctor. Please check with your personal physician before applying any of these suggestions.

[Jo29 in reply to Clutter]

Thank you

[shaws Administrator]

It is helpful if you can provide the ranges too. The reason is that labs differ throughout the country which makes ranges important. Thanks.

[Jo29 in reply to shaws]

Thank you shaws. My TSH is 0.18 (0.35-3.5) and FT4 12 (8.0-21.0).

[Jo29]

reallyfedup123, thank you for your response. I'm just on Levothyroxine at the moment so I'll try adding T3 to start with then maybe NDT. I do wonder if it's the Levo that doesn't agree with me.

[Jo29]

Yes I wondered that. I asked the GP and Endo and they wouldn't hear of it!

I just want to feel better but hopefully I'll get there.........

[Jo29]

It certainly makes you wonder doesn't it!

[Jo29]

Thank you for the info, seriously considering it!

[Jo29]

Oh really? I'm not familiar with the difference between central and hypothyroid so I'll do some research later today. Thanks again for the info, it's much appreciated.