Thyroid results

[Amx100]

Hi

I can't seem to find an actual reference range for TSH and T4

My recent results are

TSH 11

T4 17

I can honestly say I haven't felt right since I was diagnosed 2 years ago.....any advice greatly appreciated

Kindest regards

Amanda

[shaws Administrator]

You are very underdosed with a TSH of 11 - it's ridiculous it's so high.

You should have had a blood test every six to eight weeks with an increase until you were symptom-free and feel well.

The fact that you were diagnosed two years ago appears to me you've been neglected or you haven't been taking levothyroxine as you should have.

When diagnosed and given levo, the aim is a TSH of around 1.

Can you give us a bit more history?

[Amx100 in reply to shaws]

To start with I hadn't felt right for a while but put it all down to busy mum... eventually I went to the Drs as I had nearly all the symptoms although I thought I might be Pre menapausal. My initial treatment was done in the way you described every 6 weeks blood tests until I got to 100mcg daily. I felt ok for a while but in the aug of 2015 I was rechecked as I started to have symptoms again tiredness, 3 periods in 8 weeks coldness again. They said it was fine and to stay on the 100mcg my TSH was 5.2 and T4 19. I never felt better, I asked to be retested in Feb this year TSH 7.2 and T4 17. Again I was told I was doing too much and to slow down take some time out for me !! Anyway I've slowly felt worse and those were the recent results. I don't even know if I have ever been checked for anti bodies. I'm at the GP on Friday do you think I should ask to be referred to the Endocrinologist??

[Clutter]

Amx100,

Can you confirm that TSH is 11 not 1.1?

[Amx100 in reply to Clutter]

Yes 11 my previous results have been feb 2016- TSH 7.2 T4 17

Aug 2015 TSH 5.3 T4 19

[Clutter in reply to Amx100]

Amx100,

It would be interesting to see what your FT4 range is to see whether FT4 17 is top or mid-range. I think it is likely only that good due to high TSH flogging your thyroid gland to to produce T4.

Your GP should increase dose until TSH is around 1.0. FT4 can go slightly over range but not too far over. The goal of Levothyroxine is to restore the patient to euthyroid status. For most patients that will be when TSH is 1.0 or lower with FT4 in the upper range. FT4 needs to be in the upper range in order that sufficient T3 is converted. Read Treatment Options in thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_... Email [e-mail] if you would like a copy of the Pulse article to show your GP.

[Amx100 in reply to Clutter]

Thank you so much for replying - I feel like it's all in my mind !

[Clutter in reply to Amx100]

Amx100,

No, its not in your mind.

I assume you are taking Levothyroxine daily 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 supplements and oestrogen.

If you are, and your GP can't get your dose and levels balanced you should be referred to an endocrinologist. All endocrinologists are not equal so email [e-mail] for a list of member recommended endos and ask your GP to refer you to one of them.

[Amx100 in reply to Clutter]

Yes I take 100mcg usually in the morning with water probably 30-40mins before food. I take no other tablets. Maybe I'm not giving myself enough time to absorb it?

I think I will get the list. I find it really hard to do things my memory is very bad and I have no get up and go anymore. I am only 39 and I know I shouldn't really feel this way.

[Clutter in reply to Amx100]

Amx100,

Unless FT4 is at the top of your range your GP might consider doing a coeliac blood test to rule out malabsorption of Levothyroxine.

[Amx100 in reply to Clutter]

That's interesting .... thank you

[shaws Administrator in reply to Amx100]

Your space between tablet and food is not too bad and we suggest around an hour which you are near. Tablet should be taken with one full glass of water.

When next blood test is due get the earliest possible and fasting, although you can drink water.

Also allow 24 hours gap between your last dose of hormones and the test and take it afterwards.

[Amx100 in reply to shaws]

Thank you I had read that and didn't take my tablet until after the blood test this time. I may need to take more water as it's just usually with a mouthful.

[shaws Administrator in reply to Amx100]

A glass of water is best due to the fact that the tablet can stick in your throat and maybe not get into your stomach properly.

[Amx100 in reply to shaws]

Will do that and see how it goes thank you

[wulliepatrc619]

put in Subject Access Request for "ALL INFORMATION" for hospitals and G.P surgery and you will get lab results and lies the two faced gits say about yourself