Results advice please...

[JenniferTh]

Hi - I was diagnosed hypo six weeks ago and am taking 25mcg levothyroxine per day. I've just had a second blood test and asked for the results of the first one after reading other posts on this forum.

My initial results were;

Serum Free T4 9.1 (11.00 - 22.00)

TSH 19.24 (0.30 - 4.50)

Also LFT revealed..

Serum alkaline phosphatase 182 (30-130)

Serum ALT Level 62 (<40)

And FBC revealed...

Haemoglobin 96 (115-165)

Haematocrit 0.30 (0.37 - 0.47)

Mean Corpuscular Volume 66.4 (80 - 99)

Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin 21 (27 -32)

Red Cell Distribution 18.7% (10 -16%)

Does anyone have experience of adverse liver results as result of anaemia / hypothyroidism - GP asked how much I drink (I do but didn't think it would be sufficient to cause liver problems - or maybe in denial ;))

I have stopped drinking alcohol and am taking 600mg iron per day also taking PPI for acid reflux problem and I'm hoping the liver results will be better next time. Also, hoping for an increase in levo dose as not really feeling any different on 25mcg.

[Clutter]

JenniferTH,

25mcg is the lowest dose which can be prescribed. 75-100mcg would have been more appropriate as a starting dose unless you are >50 or have heart disease. Dose adjustments are usually in 25mcg increments every 6-8 weeks.

Your TSH was high because your FT4 was below range. 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.

Hypothyroidism can raise liver enzymes. Liver function may improve when you are optimally medicated on Levothyroxine. Fatty liver is also common in hypothyroid patients and is nothing to do with diet or alcohol.

labtestsonline.org/understa... will explain abnormal red blood cell evaluations.

Make sure you take Levothyroxine at least 4 hours away from iron and PPI.