High TSH with normal T4

[mrneduc]

Another newbie question. My TSH is is 11.41 ( ref 0.34-5.6). My serum free T4 is 12.3 ref (7.5-21.1)

I feel pretty awful most of the time but my Levo is slowly being increased and from today on 75 MGM.

Does the blood result show I'm not converting T4 to T3 properly and thats why TSH is raised?

[Clutter]

Mrneduc,

There is no FT3 result so it is impossible to tell how well you are converting. High TSH can flog good conversion but equally TSH may be high due to low FT4 andlow FT3.

FT3 is rarely tested in primary but one you are optimally dosed with TSH between 0.34 - 1.0 you may find it worthwhile to order a private TSH, FT4 and FT3 test to check how well you are converting.

[mrneduc in reply to Clutter]

Thanks. So much of this is trial and error don't you think? GP doesn't do FT3 testing but has agreed for me to see an endo who specializes in thyroid and treats with T3 etc. probably September so will have to keep upright till then

[Clutter in reply to mrneduc]

Mrneduc,

It is trial and error and also it takes a long time. For those used to rapid results from most painkillers or antibiotics it can be very challenging.

[Treepie in reply to mrneduc]

Yes but you are still on a low dosage.

[mrneduc in reply to Treepie]

Upping the dose of Levo myself but got a feeling it will take long time. Hoping the endo will help

[Hidden]

Perhaps look into Natural Dessicated Thyroid (NDT) as some just don't do well on synthetic Levo... To me it might be worth doing some investigating anyway so that you are aware of other options.

hypothyroidmom.com

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

[mrneduc in reply to Hidden]

I've got a few addresses now of where to buy but won't do anything till I've given Levo a try. So far not convinced it's working for me but I'm only 2-3 weeks into the journey

[mrneduc]

My GP has given me 25 MGM tablets and left me to increase when I need to. Is the usual protocol to go up by 25 MGM every 6 weeks after testing. I've now been on 50 for about three weeks and want to increase to 75 as not feeling at all well. Noticing joint pains in thumbs, and kind of spasms. (I'm taking calcium tablets) also really bad acidity in stomach. This is overlaid by fluey feeling and lightheaded. This whole scenario is nightmarish. I know it's not a quick fix .