How often should I have my blood tested

[1maiden]

Hi, I was diagnosed with hypo nearly a year ago, I'm taking levothyroine, I'm struggling with my weight still have palertasions, don't know if this is a symton but my lips go deep red and it feels like my bottom lip pulses, I get this mainly when I just get up in the morning, I still get the overwhelming feeling that I need to sleep. I have only had my blood tested once since being on my tablets, my Dr said tbat my levels were normal, but he's never said when to have a repeat test, I have once forgot to get a reoeat percrition so did have my tablets for 4 days and I felt shocking, so I know the tablets have help improve my symptoms but not totally, anyone know if symptoms will improve or is this as good as it gets.

Greatful for any advice

[Clutter]

1maiden,

Ask your GP receptionist for a copy of your last thyroid test results and ranges and post them in a new question for comment. Normal means results are within range but it is important to know where in range the results are because they may not be optimal for you.

Thyroid levels should be checked 6-8 weeks after a dose adjustment and once dose and thyroid levels are stable it is usual to have annual thyroid tests.

[1maiden in reply to Clutter]

Thank you for your reply, I'll ring my GP, and get an oppointment for a blood test.

[shaws Administrator]

Welcome to our forum.

You should have a blood test every six weeks when initially diagnosed up until your symptoms resolve. It is absolutely disgraceful that you have had only one test in after being diagnosed and prescribed. It is shocking.......

You have to ask and learn from members and I'll give you a guide below. We have to learn ourselves if we want a healthy/happy life.

First phone and request a new blood test - it can only be at the very earliest possible. You have to fast before it although you can drink water. Also allow 24 hours between your last dose of levothyroxine and the test and take afterwards.

Tell the receptionist you want a Full Thyroid Function Test as you've not had your thyroid hormones checed for a year. You want TSH, T4, T3, Free T3, Free T4 and thyroid antibodies. You also want B12, Vit D, iron, ferritin and folate tested too. You've had advice from the NHS Choices forum for dysfunctions of the thyroid gland.

Always get a print-out of your results from now on for your own records and you can post for comments.

[1maiden in reply to shaws]

Thank you for your I will get on to it, I just thought my GP surgery would have sent me a letter for a repeat test, I suppose I should have enquired about it myself before now with still feeling the way I do.

[shaws Administrator in reply to 1maiden]

Your GP or whoever diagnosed you should have told you to make an appointment for six to eight weeks, instead you've not had one at all.

[Bearo in reply to 1maiden]

You would think that, wouldn’t you? I waited 9 months on my initial Levo dose and that was despite phoning reception after the first eight weeks and being told “yes, it’s on your file that we’ll phone you for your blood test, you don’t have to do anything”. But in the end I just had to insist they book me in.