Comment on test results please?

[arwenamen]

Could someone comment on my test results please?

Currently on 75mcg levothyroxine

TSH 0.75

T4 18

Ref ranges:

0.3-4.2 TSH range

12-22 pmol/L T4 range

Would this suggest that I am correctly dosed or do you think a bit of tweaking might be necessary? Have been steady with symptoms for a while but past few months feel like I'm going downhill again!

[shaws Administrator]

I have looked at your Profile but you've not given any history about your dysfunctional thyroid gland.

When were you diagnosed, and I assume with hypothyroidism?

The fact that you aren't feeling so good would suggest that you need an increase.

However, with no Frees being taken, i.e. FT4 and FT3 it is difficult to look at the bigger picture. I shall give you a link from TUK and read about why these two are important.

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

[arwenamen in reply to shaws]

Thanks for the link. Hypothyroidism with vitaminb12 deficiency. Not sure how long ago I was diagnosed... over 5 years, it was very much down played by the doctor. "Your thyroid levels are low, here's some tablets" didn't tell me I'd have to take them indefinitely 😒

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Do you have Hashimotos

What are levels of vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12

[arwenamen in reply to SlowDragon]

Hi, I have hypothyroidism, as well as b12 deficiency so get injections for that but those levels are apparently fine according to the doctor. Not sure about vitamin D, folate and ferritin, haven't been tested for those.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to arwenamen]

So do you have high Thyroid antibodies? Aka Hashimoto's or autoimmune thyroid

If you are having B12 for PA then pretty likely it's Hashimotos

Hashimotos often affects gut - leading to low vitamins and very often gluten intolerance

High percentage feel better gluten free

thyroidpharmacist.com/artic...

[arwenamen in reply to SlowDragon]

what would i need to ask the doctor to test for to check if i have hashimotos or autoimmune thyroid? with being B12 deficient should the doctor have already tested for this? is there a link? My doctor doesn't like to be questioned and argues if you ask for other tests.... I always feel like i'm not informed enough when i ask for a test to be done and they argue me down

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to arwenamen]

Do you have Pernicious Anaemia (autoimmune) or just low B12

Best way is to ask for thyroid antibodies to be tested at next Thyroid or B12 test. Plus vitamin D, folate, ferritin - if these are too low we can't use thyroid hormones.

Alternatively get tested privately (like many of us here) NHS rarely test FT3, never repeat test antibodies and only test TPO antibodies not TG as well

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

Personally I didn't make any progress in 20 years till I came here, learnt the importance of vitamins and testing (more on my profile)

Medichecks Thyroid plus ultra vitamin or Blue Horizon Thyroid plus eleven are the most popular choice

DIY finger prick test or option to pay extra for private blood draw

All thyroid tests should be done as early as possible in morning and fasting and don't take Levo in the 24. Hours prior to test, delay and take straight after. This keeps a TSH highest, which is all most GP's look at

If you have Hashimoto's then looking at diet important, hidden food intolerances common, usually gluten

Just don't expect GP to be aware

[humanbean]

T4 18 (12-22 pmol/L)

Your Free T4 result is 60% of the way through the reference range. If you still feel hypo then you have room to raise your dose. Some people on Levo-only feel best with their Free T4 in the upper third or upper quarter of the reference range.

Sadly, doctors freak out if TSH drops below the reference range, so they could be awkward.

If you could persuade a doctor to trial you on 100mcg per day that would be great.

Another possibility is to suggest alternate days of 75mcg and 100mcg, to give an average dose of 87.5mcg per day.