You are a little undermedicated to have TSH 2.93 and FT4 and FT3 are low in range so you should ask your GP to increase dose.
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 louise.roberts@thyroiduk.org.uk if you would like a copy of the Pulse article to show your GP.
Thyroglobulin antibodies are positive for autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's). There is no cure for Hashimoto's which causes 90% of hypothyroidism. Treatment is for the low thyroid levels it causes. Many people have found that 100% gluten-free diet is helpful in reducing Hashi flares, symptoms and eventually antibodies.
Thank you so much for your reply Clutter - you have given me so much helpful information.
I was just given a diagnosis of hypothyriodism 8 years ago and apart from yearly blood tests, that is about it. My last NHS test gave my TSH as 1 (something), so it could be that I just need an increased dose. Although whether they do this or not, I do not know as my NHS bloods came back "fine".
Make it a habit to request your NHS results and ranges. "Fine" and "Normal" are opinions. If you have the results you can always argue the point and request a dose increase.
Has anyone told you that you have Hashimoto's Autoimmune Thyroiditis?
What was your diagnosis Hypothyroidism? Your Thyroglobulin Antibody is very high isn't it?
How long have you been taking the 175mcg dose for? Do you take your Levothyroxine early morning and hour before food or last thing at night at least two hours after last food and drink apart from water?
Are you taking any supplements or medications at the same time as your Levothyroxine tablets? Some should not be taken at the same time.
Ideally your TSH needs to be lower and your Thyroxine numbers higher.
Could your NHS test have only been for TSH? Where I live, if the GP requests TFTs and the patient is on Thyroxine then the hospital lab only tests TSH. The GP has to specify the others. So when I see my GP tomorrow about my low (below range) Folate, low Ferritin, Vitamin D and B12 results I will also ask for FT3 and Ft4 to be tested. As they only did TSH last time and it's 1.94.
Have you asked your GP for blood tests for Vitamin D, B12, Ferritin and Folate levels? If not please do next week.
Did you have an Ultrasound scan of your Thyroid? Did you have a Short Synacthen Test to check your adrenals.
I had the scan in 2011 and following that urgent referal to Endocrinologist who arranged urgent Short Synacthen Test. That came back clear and I started on 50mcg now on 75mcg.
I do recall one of my Thyroid Antibodies being in the hundreds, 300 I think.
For maximum absorption Levothyroxine should be taken with water 1 hour before, or 2 hours after, food and drink, 2 hours away from other medication and supplements, and 4 hours away from calcium, iron, vitamin D supplements, magnesium and oestrogen.
I don't even remember if either the GP or Endocrinologist actually told me my diagnosis. I'd had Hypothyroid results from blood tests in 2008 but no one told me. Was retested in 2010 but they came back Euthyroid. I was advised to ask for the scan on a Thyroid helpline. When I got copies of my hospital records I discovered that my 2010 results were at the top of TSH range and Low on T4.
I got my records again after seeing Endocrinologist and saw his diagnosis on GP letter: she has Hashimoto's Autoimmune Thyroiditis and Hypothyroidism.
Do ask for the VitD, B12, Ferritin and Folate next week, though.
I only asked recently after reading posts and advice on here. All low and Folate below 'normal' range.
Is it okay to take Levothyroxine at the same time as Prozac? I don't know. Someone more qualified on here will be able to tell you.
When you say before breakfast - how long before? If it's not convenient to wait a full hour in the morning before having anything to eat or drink you could consider switching to taking at night. I'm thinking of doing that. Especially in winter - too clod to wait an hour for my cup.of tea!
A good tip is to always ask for print out of blood results. Or when you phone you can ask them.to read out figures and normsl ranges while you write them down
Yes, I was relieved to be sitting in the Endocrinologist's office. Finally I'd made it after many years of suffering. He seemed really nice. I, too, thought I was going to be alright - now that I had been diagnosed and treatment commenced.
You shouldn't have to pay private to see an Endocrinologist, though, what's the point now? After 3 appointments I was refered back for monitoring by GPs - I think that's the norm.
You may find that by changing the way you take your meds and getting the other blood tests and supplements prescribed you will feel better.
I have also enquired about a private Endo's appt and sent her a summary of my results. So, hopefully, she will be able to see me, or my GP will make a referral.
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