Feeling quite ignorant about my condition. Been on Meds. for 2 years now but other than annual blood test & prescription review had no medical advice.
Told fasting not needed before test and no advice given to not take meds. But having seen some posts wondering if this is correct?
Wanting to become more informed about it and so to manage my condition as best I can. Want to loose weight too for wellbeing and concern of future possible diabetes. Finding it hard to find good source of information. Any ideas please? Thanks
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Loobeeb
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Loobeeb It is indeed best to not take Levo for 24 hours before a thyroid test, also to fast overnight (water is allowed). It is also best to have the very earliest possible appointment. This all gives the highest possible TSH which is what is needed when looking for a dose increase (or a diagnosis).
How do you feel? Do you think you are optimally medicated? Or do you still have symptoms of hypothyroidism unresolved?
Do you feel as though you would benefit from a dose increase? If so, what time is your appointment for blood draw tomorrow? If it's later than 9am I would find an excuse to cancel it and rearrange for another day when you can have the earliest appointment, fast and leave off your Levo.
Have you checked out ThyroidUK's main website (this is their forum here on Health Unlocked) thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/ It's a good place to start to learn about thyroid disease. Continue purple menu on the left hand side, start at 'About the Thyroid' and work your way down.
Also, a good book is 'Your Thyroid and How to Keep It Healthy' by Dr Barry Durrant Peatfield amazon.co.uk/Your-Thyroid-H... , written in a way that's easy to understand by a lovely doctor who is hypothyroid himself, has devoted his life to thyroid disease and many members here have seen him.
Any questions, ask away, plenty of members happy to help.
Thanks so much for your reply. Confirmed what I thought about the blood test. Had notion about the fasting but when I enquired at the surgery reception said fasting not required. Thanks for tips... website and book. Will start digging.
TSH is highest early in the morning and drops after eating and drinking. There is no medical requirement to fast or test early but it can be userful for people trying to get a diagnosis, trying to get a dose increase or trying to avoid a dose reduction.
It is advised to take Levothyroxine after the blood draw to avoid measuring the T4 peaking in the blood stream.
I'm so happy to have found this site, like you I was eventually diagnosed hypothyroid, I was on Thyroxine 25mg for 2 yrs. Then 100mg for the next 18, annual bloodtest and only once called in for an increase to 125 mg. No follow ups to see if dose suitable.I didn't realise we were allowed to question doctors! No results on offer either, I'm not going to be a victim to them again.
It's pathetic that thyroid patients are left to fend for themselves...don't know any other illness this happens with. Hate the way everything's NORMAL when it clearly Isn't . I can't believe there is not more information about thyroid problems do people know what to look out for. I saw a GP recently when I asked for iron tablets and she said 10 is normal for Ferritin!!! Told her Thyroid UK recommend at least 70 for people with Hypothyroidism. Got the prescription! 😀
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Do I need to fast for Thyroid blood test?
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