Blood results!

[shamicuk]

Just got my blood results in from the doctor. TSH level is 18 and Free T4 is 13. My Levothyroxin has been raised from 50mg to 100mg. Anyone else get their medication bumped up like that? I'll complain if it gets me back to near enough normal, not that I was ever 'normal' in the first place, lol (last results on no Levo for reference is TSH 46mg and Free T4 6.3mg)

[shaws Administrator]

If you feel o.k. on 100mcg that should be o.k. but if you experience palpitations or too hot I would drop down by 25mcg. Normally, an increase of 25mcg about every six weeks is given until symptoms go and patient feels well.

It's a good idea to have a record of your pulse/temp when first introducing levo. As hypothyroidism patients usually have a low temp and pulse. As levo is increased they rise, more or less, back to normal.

Your next blood test should be at the earliest possible time and don't eat before it but you can drink water. Also leave about 24 hours between your last dose and the test and take it afterwards. This helps keep your TSH at a higher level as doctors are apt to adjust levo to keep us within the 'range'. We need a TSH of around 1 or lower.

Levo should be taken first thing with a glass of water and wait about an hour before eating. Food can interfere with the uptake of thyroid hormones.

If GP hasn't tested Vit B12, Vit D, iron, ferritin and folate and thyroid antibodies ask for these too. We can be deficient.

Always get a print-out with the ranges for your own records and you can post if you have a query.

[Clutter]

Shamicuk,

Your GP could have started you on a higher dose than 50mcg when TSH was 46. As s/he didn't it's entirely appropriate to raise dose to 100mcg as TSH has only dropped to 18. When TSH is within range dose increases are likely to be 25mcg or 12.5mcg.

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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.