Any advice on recent test results? Extreme stress.

[Dotty1340]

I have just received my latest test results and I am due back at the doctors on Friday where I am hoping the doctor is going to raise my dose. Unfortunately the last doctor I saw who seemed to understand Thyroid issues has left so it will be another doctor.

Long story short.... lots of symptoms typical of underactive Thyroid and started off on 25mcg of Levothyroxine when my TSH was 6.3 (0.55-4.8). My antibody levels were also checked and were extremely high and therefore diagnosed with Hashi disease.

My Thyroxine was later increased to 50mcg following a reduction in TSH from 6.3 to 3.7. My latest results are -

TSH 3.6 (0.55-4.8) "abnormal speak doctor"

Serum Folate 6.6 ug/l > 3.4 "normal"

T4 16pmol/L (9-23) " normal"

Vitamin D 56 > 51" normal" ... note I supplement with Vitamin D 1000 mcg Jarrow Formula after advice from others on this forum. I have been supplementing since January 17 so without the supplement I imagine I would have been Vit D deficient.

I would like to ask my doctor to increase my dose to 100 mcg but I have read that extreme stress can affect the TSH levels. My sister died unexpectedly 3 weeks ago. I have been very stressed. I actually had my latest blood test on the morning of her funeral (always at the same time 08.30 and fasting and not taking the previous dose of Thyroxine prior to the test).

Should I still push for an increase from 50mcg to 100mcg or accept an increase to 75 mcg due to the fact my TSH level may have been adversely affected by my sister passing away?

Thanks everyone for any advice.

[Clutter]

Dotty1340,

TSH 3.46 is high for someone taking Levothyroxine, ask your GP to increase dose. Dose increases are usually in 25mcg increments every six to eight weeks until TSH is 1.0 or lower and 25mcg is likely to be sufficient increase.

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.

1,000mcg Jarrows Formula is methyocobalamin B12.

You need to supplement vitamin D D3. I suggest 5,000iu D3 daily for 6-8 weeks then reduce to 5,000iu alternate days and retest in August. Take vitamin D 4 hours away from Levothyroxine.

I'm very sorry for the loss of your sister. You have my condolences.

[shaws Administrator]

I am sorry about the sudden death of your sister and it will take some time to come to terms with it. My sister died a few months ago and I was expecting it, but there's an emptiness at present as we were always on the phone and we were confidents to one another.

You could ask for 50mcg and see what he/she recommends.

.

[mountaingoat83]

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss, that's a terrible thing to have to go through.

From my own experience, I would be wary of such a large leap in one go, I think our bodies can be very sensitive to levo and doubling the dose in one hit might put more stress on you. I have been through a very stressful time recently too, but I've had to reduce my dose as my TSH was too low for me, so it probably varies between individuals as to how much stress affects TSH. I would try 25mcg for 6 weeks and get retested, you may well find that is enough.