New here

[Chillypepper]

im going for a. Battery of blood tests tomorrow.. Possible hypothyroidism . I've been poorly for ages ... Thinning hair low mood dislike of some tastes and smell that I've never had since I was pregnant. Hormone change. Tired and no motivation , hoarse voice plus a whole host of other symptoms.

What are normal levels as acceptable levels seem to be different depending on the hospital whose testing.

Thanks

[shaws Administrator]

Usually, all of them take more notice of the TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) which rises when the thyroid gland is failing. In the UK some doctors will prescribe if the TSH is above 5 with clinical symptoms but many wont prescribe, despite clinical symptoms, until the TSH reaches 10.

I don't know what time your blood test will be but in future get the earliest appointment and fast (you can drink water) - this helps keep TSH at its highest as it varies throughout the day. If/when you are on levothyroxine, leave about 24 hours between the last dose and the test and take it afterwards.

Levo should be taken first thing with one glass of water and wait about an hour before eating, or take it at bedtime allowing 2 to 2.5 hours after food so that stomach is empty. Food can interfere with the uptake of the hormones.

Always get a print-out of your blood test results with the ranges for your own records and so that you can post if you have a query.