Keep it simple please!

[Always_Learning]

Hi, has anyone got something I can read to educate me on the basics. I feel awful but I'm within a range.

[shaws Administrator]

If you have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism and take levothyroxine and have been on levothyroxine for a while, the only range you should be in is a TSH of 1 or lower. Many doctors believe anywhere in the range is fine and patient doesn't need an increase. Get a print-out of your blood test results with the ranges and put them on a new post if you don't have them to hand at present. It would be excellent if doctors acknowledged and knew clinical symptoms.

[Clutter]

Always_Learning,

Where you are in range counts so ask your GP receptionist for a print out of your recent results and ranges. Ranges are the figures in brackets after your results.

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_...

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/diagno...

[Jazzw]

And if you are undermedicated, there's a good chance you're low in Vit B12, ferritin and Vit D. And that will make you feel poorly too. Those with poorly-functioning thyroids tend to have low stomach acid, meaning nutrients aren't fully absorbed from food.

First things first - see if you can wrest your results from your GP and post them here.

[fibrolinda]

A good place to start your education is the Thyroid UK website and this forum.... read, read, read and ask questions.

🙂 x linda

[Always_Learning]

Thanks lovely people. I have some results which I'll post later. For now zzzzzzz

[shaws Administrator in reply to Always_Learning]

When you get a blood test for thyroid gland, you have to have the very earliest appointment, fasting (you can drink water) as TSH is highest early a.m. and drops throughout the day. If taking levothyroxine or other thyroid hormones you leave about 24 hours from the last dose and the test and take it afterwards.