New diagnosis

[Bella53]

Hi everyone - I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism last week and am on a starter dose of 50mg of levo. My blood test also showed up low Hb and ferritin so am also on ferrous fumerate 210mg 3 times a day. If it wasn't for this site I would not have known to leave time between taking my levo and iron so thank you for that! I have been hoovering up so much info from you all and I am so grateful that I now have some knowledge of this condition that we have to live with for the rest of our lives. I am 53 years old, post menopausal (hysterectomy 3 years ago) and on no other medication. I do loads of walking, don't drink or smoke and eat healthily (most of the time!) but had still put on about 10lbs in weight over the last year that wasn't going to shift. I am due to have my bloods done again in July and I can see on my print out of my original tests that T3 was not done. Should I be asking for this to be checked? My results were as follows: Serum free T4 12.6 and Serum TSH 16.05. Thank you in advance.

[shaws Administrator]

Doctors are directed that only TSH and T4 is sufficient. I personally, and many on the forum, believe that FT4 and FT3 should be taken (not every time but if we aren't improving). There is a 'standard' blood test. Doctors also believe that the TSH is the only test to inform them how we are progressing and adjust dose up/down. Some doctors believe 'anywhere' in the range is o.k. even if at the top, whereas we need a TSH of 1 or lower.

I assume you know the process before getting a blood test, i.e. earliest possible, etc?

[Bella53 in reply to shaws]

Thank your for your reply Shaws. My blood test is booked for 11am so will rebook for an earlier time and withhold my meds til after.