TSH Results in France

[nessakt]

Hello

Just a quick question?

I've just got my results today from the Laboratory in France where I live now.

They have said my TSH is............. 5,58 uUI/ml

I take 50mcg of Levo everyday. Is my Thyroid ok now?

Many Thanks Nessie xx

[marsaday]

No, TSH is far too high. Normal range for TSH is 0.4 to 4. Endo's aim for 1 when treating hypothyroid patients usually.

So the brain is still telling the thyroid to make more thyroid hormones with a TSH of 5.58.

You need an increase in T4, probably to 100.

[shaws]

No - you need an increase - the aim is to have a TSH around 1 or lower. 50mcg is a starting dose and you should have an increase every six weeks approx with a rise of 25mcg each time until you feel well.

The best way to know if your dose of thyroid hormones is working well is 'how do you feel' - if well you are on the right dose, if not you need an increase. If you feel hyperthyroid you may be taking too much. Some doctors believe if we are anywhere in the 'range' we are taking sufficient hormones - no the case. We have to be symptom free.

Always get the earliest blood test and fast (you can drink water). Leave approx 24 hours from your last dose of levo and the test and take it afterwards. This keeps the tSH at it's highest level as it drops throughout the day. The only appear to take notice of the TSH.

[greygoose]

Nessakt, I'm not sure if you're aware of this, but Levo is not a treatment for the thyroid. It will not make your thyroid 'ok'.

For whatever reason, your gland is failing, and not able to make enough hormone on its own. Therefore, taking Levo replaces the hormone that your gland can no longer make enough of, and which you need to live.

If you already know this, then please excuse me. But a lot of people Don't seem to know.

[nessakt in reply to greygoose]

Thank you.

My New Doctor in France is sending me to the local Hospital in Bourges now for further test on my Thyroid Gland.

I have been going to my GP in the UK for years about my Thyroid Gland and I was always Fobbed off and always given a lecture about my weight etc.

It was a fab Locum who noticed I have a problem and started the ball rolling.

When I came to France and found a brilliant GP she is helping me get better.

Hopefully I will have my eyebrows, hair and slimmer etc by 2017 and I can celebrate my 25th Wedding Anniversary in style.

Big Thank you for all the Help and support you all have been giving me. x

[greygoose in reply to nessakt]

I hope your dreams come true!