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[Livinbythesea]

Ok latest bloods t4 13.6 tsh 16.5 antibodies 1999.0 saw dr today and a scan is needed on my thyroid as I have a goitre. Also hVing t3 tested as well as iodine Znd b12 definition is plus other tests. Diagnosed with Hashinitos 17 years ago , currently on 200ng of thyroxine . Any thoughts or advice appreciated .

[Clutter]

Livingbythesea,

200mcg Levothyroxine is quite a high dose but is obviously insufficient as your TSH is 16.5.

For maximum absorption Levothyroxine should be taken with water 1 hour before, or 2 hours after, food and drink, 2 hours away from other medication and supplements, and 4 hours away from calcium, iron, vitamin D and oestrogen.

If you observe the above, ask your GP to do a coeliac screen. Malabsorption caused by gluten-intolerance (coeliac disease) is a common reason for poor absorption of Levothyroxine.

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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.

[Livinbythesea in reply to Clutter]

Thanks . Forgot to add that I'm already diagnosed as gluten intolerant . Just a turbulent time for me .... Used to take 250 but that got dropped as I went thyrotoxic 4 years ago . Feeling exhausted 😞

[Clutter in reply to Livinbythesea]

Livingbythesea,

If you are strictly gluten-free you probably need 250mcg now. High TSH and low FT4 will be why you are exhausted. On 200-250mcg one would expect to see very low TSH, almost certainly suppressed below range.

[Livinbythesea]

Thanks.... Maybe I'm not strict enough and need to rectify that. I'll be interested to see what new tests show x

[shaws Administrator]

If, after seventeen years on thyroid hormones and your TSH is at present 16.5 - you have been neglected it would seem to me.

It might be kinder to add some T3 (liothyronine) to your T4 and I am sure you would feel a benefit as it doesn't need to be converted and is the Active Thyroid Hormone the billions of cells in our bodies need. T4 works for many hypothyroid but also doesn't effectively for the other half who need either T3 added, T3 only or a natural dessicated thyroid hormones. Unfortunately the guidelines don't allow GPs to prescribe NDTs.

hormonerestoration.com/Thyr...