TSH 0.05 - help please.

[Jabulani]

Hello,

Please could someone advise me. I have Hashimotos Thyroiditis. My TSH is currently 0.05 (0.2-4.2) I was on 2 grains of Armour but have cut it back to 2 grains. My free T 4 is 13.5 (11-22) Both the TSH and the Free T4 have not changed since May despite cutting back. The results remain the same. I am experiencing palpitations although they are currently much less than they were a week ago.

I am also undergoing treatment for Lyme disease.

My current private Endocrinologist is not responding to my emails as I think she is on holiday. My next appointment with her is in October. I am thinking of going to see a Functional Medicine doctor in Ipswich to try and get this sorted out. I have a free 15 minute call with him on Tuesday. Without mentioning this doctor's name has anyone seen or know of of functional Medicine doctor in Ipswich and do you have anything positive or negative to say about him? I know nothing about him other than he is on the Thyroid UK doctor's list.

Any advice on what might be happening and what I should do until I manage to get seen would be very helpful. This doctor prescribes Nature thyroid instead of Armour. Thanks so much in anticipation.

[Jabulani]

Oops sorry, I meant to say I was on 2 1/2 grains but have cut it back to 2 grains.

[startagaingirl]

Hi, since you are on ndt which contains t3, I am afraid that results for Tsh and ft4 tell you very little. The result you really need is free t3. From your symptoms and the fact that they have lessened with a lower dose, it sounds possible that you are actually over-medicated, but only the ft3 result can confirm that and by how much you are over.

Personally I would be inclined to spend my money on a private blood test instead of a session with a private doctor. Basic tests are really relatively cheap, with more comprehensive ones including Tsh, ft4, ft3, anti-bodies, vit d, vit b12, folate and ferritin coming in at around about £120. Special offers do come up. Most people here use either Blue Horizons or Medichecks for these and they can be done from a fingerprick at home.

If you do get results for these or any at all, then why not post them here and the real experts can advise.

Gillian

[Jabulani in reply to startagaingirl]

Thanks so much Gillian. Yes, this is what I suspect too and I think that the herbs I am taking for Lyme Disease might also be playing a role. I am also doing a heavy metal detox. My concern about not having a doctor is that I need to obtain the Armour through a doctor's prescription. Also, I am a very complex case with Lyme, heavy metals etc. in the mix. I will go ahead and get a FT3 done through Horizon though. Is there anything you advise I do with the Armour in the meantime whilst I wait for an appointment or get the results back from Blue Horizons?

[startagaingirl in reply to Jabulani]

Well it depends how long it has been since you cut your dose. It can take a few weeks for levels to drop after cutting down as the t4 in the net will still be converting. So if it has been less than 4-6 weeks, and you can stand the side-effects, it might be wise to hold at your 2 grains since your levels will still more than likely be dropping. If you time your test relative to this, then you should get a reasonably true picture and can them decide what to do. Post your results in a new post for further advice.

Remember to do test first thing in morning, 24 hrs after last dose and fasting.

Gillian

[Jabulani in reply to startagaingirl]

Thanks so much Gillian.

[Clutter]

Jabulani,

If the FD is on TUK's list it means s/he was recommended by members. You can write a post mentioning the FD's name but ask for feedback via private messages.

[Jabulani in reply to Clutter]

Thanks so much Clutter.