Hypothyroid

[Lianne1]

New here diagnosed with hypothyroid 3 yrs ago and have been on same dose since then feel awful symptoms are loss of appetite constipation heavy periods feeling cold tiredness weight gain any advice about results appreciated thanks

25mcg levo

TSH 5.2 (0.2 - 4.2)

Free T4 13.1 (12 - 22)

Free T3 2.7 (3.1 - 6.8)

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Lianne1 If you've never had your dose increased from 25mcg then your GP has been extremely negligent.

The protocol is that 6-8 weeks after starting Levo thyroid tests are repeated and an increase of 25mcg in dose of Levo. This is then followed by regular 6 weekly tests/increases until symptoms abate and you feel well.

The aim of a treated hypo patient generally is for TSH to be 1 or below or wherever it is needed for FT4 and FT3 to be in the upper part of their respective reference ranges.

From thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_... > Treatment Options

According to the BMA's booklet, "Understanding Thyroid Disorders", many people do not feel well unless their levels are at the bottom of the TSH range or below and at the top of the FT4 range or a little above.

The book is written by Dr Anthony Toft, past president of the British Thyroid Association and leading endocrinologist. It is available from local pharmacies and Amazon for about £4.95.

Also

Dr Toft states in Pulse Magazine, "The appropriate dose of levothyroxine is that which restores euthyroidism and serum TSH to the lower part of the reference range - 0.2-0.5mU/l.

In this case, free thyroxine is likely to be in the upper part of its reference range or even slightly elevated – 18-22pmol/l. Most patients will feel well in that circumstance.

But some need a higher dose of levothyroxine to suppress serum TSH and then the serum-free T4 concentration will be elevated at around 24-28pmol/l.

This 'exogenous subclinical hyperthyroidism' is not dangerous as long as serum T3 is unequivocally normal – that is, serum total around T3 1.7nmol/l (reference range 1.0-2.2nmol/l)."

You can obtain a copy of the Pulse article by emailing [e-mail] print and highlight question 6 to show your GP.

You are grossly undermedicated with an over range TSH, an under range FT3 and a very low FT4. Ask your GP for an immediate increase of 25mcg and make sure you follow this up with regular tests/increases every 6 weeks as mentioned above.

When booking thyroid tests, always book the very first appointment of the day, fast overnight (water allowed) and leave off Levo for 24 hours. This is a patient to patient tip which gives the highest possible TSH which is needed when looking for an increase in dose or to avoid a reduction.

Have you had Vit D, B12, Folate and Ferritin tested? If so please post results for comment, if not then ask your GP to do them. All need to be at optimal levels (not just in range) for thyroid hormone to work.