Help with my test results.

[forestgirljo]

Hi I have had an underactive thyroid for over 3 yrs and on 100mcg levothyroxine at the moment. I do feel better than I did 3 years ago but still need to be in bed at 9pm to function the next day, have muscle pain and steadily putting on weight. I do exercise and am a very active person. I do have a bad back but do pilates to help that bur the Drs want me to take amytriptaline to help the back pain but I feel I should investigate my thyroid first to ensure it isnt that causing my problems first and foremost!

The 'results' the Dr printed off said VALUE- 0.44miu/L RANGE- U 0.35-4.5 READCODE 442W. Serum TSH level.

Does this make sense to anyone as I really dont understand any of my problem? I am thinking of trying to see an endocrinologist privately- is this the way to go?

Any advice greatly appreciated.

[greygoose]

If you can get the endo to test the FT4 and FT3, then yes, it is the way to go. If not, there's not much point.

Your TSH is good at 0.44, but meaningless. The important number is the FT3. But, the NHS thinks it's god, and can devine the other numbers from just the TSH! They can't! But, very often, they won't test them.

You, on the other hand, could have them done privately. In which case you would need to test :

TSH

FT4

FT3

TPOab

TgAB

vit D

vit B12

folate

ferritin

That will give you a much clearer picture of what going on. Testing the FTs will tell you if you're taking enough T4, and if you're converting it satisfactorily. The abs will tell you if you have Hashi's - if so, there are things you can do. And the nutrients all need to be optimal for you body to be able to use the hormone you're giving it. When you know all that, you'll be able to decide on your next step.

[forestgirljo in reply to greygoose]

Thanks for your advice. Who would I get to test them? Where do I start to look!!?

[Clutter in reply to forestgirljo]

Forestgirljo,

See my post below.

[Clutter]

Forestgirljo,

TSH 0.44 tells your GP you appear to be adequately medicated but without FT4 it is merely an assumption and without FT4 and FT3 it is impossible to see whether you are converting T4 to T3 well.

Blue Horizon Thyroid Plus 11 covers the tests Greygoose has recommended. thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

[silverfox7]

Taking supplements for the tests mentioned can make a huge different if you were low in them as well. They help your thyroid to function much better. Podtcsny results for further advice.