Unsure how to read my results

[LindaJG]

My TSH is 0.28 (0.20-5.00)

My T4 free is 22.5 (11.0-22.0) this is the one I am confused about. Being hypo do I need more medication? Do you read high as high?

Many thanks everyone Linda

[Hidden]

Hello Linda,

On the face of it your results look very good.how do you feel though?

A high reading of ft4 is usually considered a good thing not bad.its the tsh that we don't want to be high.

Hope that helps

[LindaJG in reply to Hidden]

Hi thanks for such a quick reply. My TSH is within range. I am on 100mg Levo but feel so tired in the afternoon even though the blood test looks ok. The Consultant was not happy about me asking to go on 112mg as it would throw the results out but I feel I need more but cannot risk increasing my blood pressure as I am on BP pills and apparently have a leaking heart valve which I am having tests for.

[Hidden in reply to LindaJG]

Hi Linda, sounds very similar to my situation!

I was on 75mg but then started BP meds which appeared to be linked to raising my tsh up to 3 from 1.5 ish. Now taking 100/75 to see what happens.like you I am watchful of BP and HR due to some kind of heart issue.it seems it is a jiggle to try to reach good point with thyroid at same time as not affecting the other issue toooo much!

[LindaJG in reply to Hidden]

Hi. Everything is affected by the thyroid, that's the problem! I tried T3 in combination with Levo and had heart fibrillation so had to stop but I felt better on it. I started losing weight too but that has stopped even though I have a good pescatarian diet. The consultant said that heart and thyroid are not linked but I know they are as I am proof. Frustrating eh?

[PinkNinja in reply to LindaJG]

Your doctor needs to do his research! Heart and thyroid problems are most definitely linked.

Some blood pressure medication can make you feel tired. I'm not suggesting you should stop it, in fact you most definitely shouldn't, but there may be other types your doctor could let you try. For example, both my parents felt awful on beta blockers but do much better on a different medication.

The other possibility is that your cortisol levels are dropping in the afternoon. This is very common in people who have hypothyroidism. Rest is important. Having a nap or just putting your feet up (literally, elevated legs takes the strain off your heart) for a while can help your body rest.

There are other things that can help such as vitamin C supplements. You may find it helpful to look into 'adrenal fatigue'. It is not something most doctors know anything about. As far as they are concerned there is only normal adrenal function, Addison's disease or Cushing's syndrome but nothing in between. 'Adrenal fatigue' is usually milder than Addison's disease and temporary, often in response to illness, stress, trauma etc.

Another thing to do would be to get a few blood tests done: serum iron, ferritin (best around 70-90), folate, vitamin B12 (needs to be above 400 at least), vitamin D. A random cortisol test taken first thing in the morning could be helpful, or even one taken around the time you feel most tired. It may not tell you very much, however.

All of the above can cause fatigue if they are not optimal. They may be in range but that is very different from optimal.

I hope that helps to give you some ideas.

Carolyn x

[LindaJG in reply to PinkNinja]

Thank you for such a lengthy reply. I have regular blood tests and all ok. I do watch it and top up mybB12 and D plus take a thyroid support. I have to put my feet up by 3pm as am so tired. I read that Beta blockers can interfere with thyroid medication but the Consultant was not impressed when I reduced one of my Betablockers to see if it would help. But my heart went bonkers. I did a liver flush which really helped. Cortisol was ok on last check. I was on Ace inhibitors for many many years but suddenly they stopped working hence on horrible beta blockers. I asked to change them but there is little choice for me. I am 64 and like to be active, need to loose weight and fed up as I eat well and little. One Endo suggested I was tired because I was getting older! They really do not understand the thyroid. I think you might be right about the adrenals but what check can I do/ask for? L

[Marz]

Even though your FT4 result is good - are you converting it into the Active hormone T3 ? Do you have any results for it ? I see you had to stop taking T3 - did you have it added because your FT3 was low ? How much were you taking ?

Sorry for the questions !

I am T3 only and know when I am needing my next dose as my pulse quickens and then settles after taking it. Of course we are all individuals and have to find what suits us - it is a bumpy ride !

[LindaJG in reply to Marz]

I asked to go on it because I thought I might not be converting. They took me off it because it affected my BP even at a lower dose. My other readings are fine. Uric acid rather high. I took 20microg plus Levo so it equated to the Levo I was on. Then cut it down to half a tablet T3. However, getting T3 is so hard in Spain and it's very expensive and they say they usually only use it for people going into a thyroid coma.

[Marz in reply to LindaJG]

Oh dear it does sound difficult for you at the moment. Have you posted your other results here on the forum for people to comment. The ones that are fine that is..... maybe they are not optimal. Ferritin - Folate - B12 - VitD - also how is your potassium ?

Regarding your Doc saying the heart and the Thyroid are not connected - then he needs to go back to school. Yesterday I posted a topic about the book - Thyroid and Heart Failure. You can find the book on amazon and look inside. Just looking at the contents will reassure you that thyroid hormones are king ! Heart disease is systemic and involves the whole body - the book is FULL of research done globally indicating the connections.

I have saved for a LONG time for the above book - and it has not disappointed !

[jacrjacr]

did you know low magnesium can cause heart flutters too.....magnesium oil Is great

[LindaJG]

Hi thanks for comment. I take Magnesium in my Nutri Advanced complex. I didn't know that and will look into the oil as that is new to me, thanks.

[LindaJG]

I also read that Beta Blockers can interfere with thyroid medication uptake. I mentioned this to the heart Consultant but he didn't feel it would affect me. I am stuck because of the BP medication I need and I can't take Ace Inhibitors any more. However, I had Bp when on them.