Diagnosed with Hashimoto's six months ago, but Dr. now only tests TSH levels. Is this normal? I'm still feeling a bit tired and impossible to loose even a lb... currently taking 137 mcg of Levothyroxine and my TSH is at 1.2... following my immediate use of Levo 6 months ago I immediately lost the 20 lbs I gained during my thyroid storm (also of note I'm now 1 year post-partum) and my Initial numbers were:
T3: 0.7 T4: 0.8 TSH: 100
Thanks for any help! Hopefully the labs aren't too impossibly small to read!
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njmatsche
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I am afraid it is normal to just test TSH, some might add in T4 but not the ones that give a bigger picture especially when patient is complaining of being unwell.
Levothyroxine is inactive and converts to T3. T3 is the active hormone requied in our receptor cells. If our T3 is too low we wont feel so good. Free T4 and Free T3 should be towards the upper part of the range.
Weight gain and still feeling awful can be due to not being on an optimum dose as many doctors believe that 'in range' is fine. We need a TSH of 1 or lower and some feel best when it's suppressed.
When having a blood test it should be the earliest possible, fasting (you can drink water). Also allow 24 hours between your last dose and the test and take afterwards.
Ask GP to test your Vit B12, Vit D, iron, ferritin and folate as we can be deficient.
You need an increase to bring TSH to 1 or lower.
The fact that you've gained weight would suggest to me (and I'm not medically qualified) that your dose is too low yet. When hypothyroid, weight gain is usually the first clinical symptoms as our metabolism is so slow. That's why dieting isn't too successful until on an optimum of hormones.
Ask GP to test Free T4 and Free T3. Probably wont but I'll give a link and you'll see why these are important (doctors are completely unaware).
ok I just got back to my computer and added them, these are the first labs I ever had done. the latest are just TSH the Expected range on this test is 0.45 - 5.0 and my levels were 1.200
Your doctor will be happy but it is whether the patient is happy or not. If you have symptoms you need an increase. For information I will give you a link, below for information not just how to safely get well. It is how doctors used to treat us, by clinical symptoms alone.
With hashimoto's which is an Autoimmune Thyroid Disease due to the antibodies which attack the gland until hypothyroid. Members have found that going gluten-free can help reduce them and the attacks on your gland.
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