Thyroid meds

[kathmax]

due to see my local Dr on Saturday who is talking about putting me on thyroxine due to me always feeling tired and no energy.My consultant who removed half my thyroid in February this year tells me I don't need meds as my bloods are ok .Dont know what to do confused can anyone advise me please?

[greygoose]

Well, the first step is obviously to ask for copies of your blood tests so that you can see for yourself what your levels are. 'OK' is just an opinion, not a diagnosis. And his opinion is obviously not the same as your GP's, and might not be the same as yours. So, you need to see them for yourself - it's your legal right to have a copy.

If you Don't understand the results, just post them on here, and someone will be able to help you - we're all used to reading results - and it will then be easier to advise you.

Take care.

[greygoose]

This thyroid site? I just had a look where you posted your results, and I didn't see anyone say they were normal.

You only gave TSH and FT4. TSH was ok, but FT4 was very low. The most important number is the FT3, and that wasn't done, it would seem. That is probably low, too.

Besides, they were 7 months ago. A lot can happen in 7 months. Did your doctor not do tests before deciding to give you thyroxine? I would have thought that was most important.

However, as you are feeling tired, with no energy, I would give the thyroxine a try, if I were you. Why do you hestitate?

Didn't see any result for vit D.

[Marz]

Could it be B12 ? What are your levels ? Have you also had your Ferritin - Folate - Iron - VitD tested ? They all play their part in creating energy in the body so levels need to be OPTIMAL - and not just in range. B12 needs to be around 900/1000.

[shaws Administrator]

The most important question is 'How are you feeling'. If not so good, you need a Full Thyroid Function Test not just TSH and/or T4. Ask GP for TSH, T4, T3, Free T4 and Free T3. Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, iron, ferritin and folate. If he wont do them all (or labs wont if TSH is in range) get your own and you can do it with a finger-prick test. You will get a small discount if your put the TUK code and Thyroiduk.org.uk get a small commission.

Get the earliest possible appointment and fast (you can drink water). When you are on thyroid meds, leave about 24 hours between your last dose and the test and take it afterwards.

[shaws Administrator]

Sorry I didn't put the link:

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

[Marz]

When you say your D is OK - what is your result ? Remember winter is upon you and sunshine will be in short supply. I would suggest - as I am sure others would - that having a maintenance dose of around 2500 IU's daily will keep levels up if they are good through the winter and then test in the Spring.

[Marz]

...according to Grassroots Health in the US that is low. They measure differently - as they do here in Greece - so to convert to ng/L you will need to divide your result by 2.5. I make that 29ng/L - so to reach a good level of say 60 you will need the dose I mentioned

grassrootshealth.net

Where you are in the range with everything is important - bumping along the bottom seems to satisfy Docs but does not create good health in many cases.

[Marz]

Not sure who the TSH reading is for