Tsh level - any advice?

[ChrisH100]

My tsh has fluctuated over the past 12 months between 5.6 and 3.4 before I was put on 25mg thyroxin in Feb 17. Since then my medication has been increased several times and I'm now on 100 mg but my tsh has only come down slightly to 4.6 - could there be something else going on? I've still got a long way to go to get it down to less than 1....

Thanks chris

[greygoose]

Does your doctor only test the TSH? You need to know your FT4 and FT3 to know what's going on.

[ChrisH100 in reply to greygoose]

I've had both tested - in range - ft3 mid range - ft4 lower range...just surprised by tsh hasn't come down now I'm up to to 100mg per day....could it be adrenal/cortisol related?

[greygoose in reply to ChrisH100]

100 mcg - not mg - is not much more than a starter dose. And I doubt an FT3 at mid-range would be high enough to bring your TSH down and make you feel well. I'm afraid we need lots of patience when it comes to thyroid. Nothing happens fast!

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Chris - Are you having the blood tests done at the same time of day each time? TSH is highest early morning and lowers during the day, so if you had one done in the morning the TSH would be higher than one done in the afternoon. Also, eating before a blood test lowers TSH.

We always advice to book the very first appoinment of the morning, fast overnight (water allowed) and leave off Levo for 24 hours. This gives the highest TSH which is needed when looking for an increase in dose or to avoid a reduction, but also gives the same conditions each time so results can be compared accurately.

[ChrisH100 in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thanks seasidesusie - Tests have been around the same time 9 am but haven't fasted the night before - I'll try that going forward! One question if food reduces tsh level this would mean my level is in fact higher than the 4.6 recorded which makes me think thyroxin suppl isn't necessary working?

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to ChrisH100]

That's basically right

When you take your Levo, do you take it on an empty stomach, one hour before or two hours after food? If not absorption will be affected. Also, if you take any other medication or supplements, leave two hours between them and Levo (iron, calcium, magnesium and Vit D need four hours), again absorption will be affected.

When having your blood tests, leave breakfast until after the blood draw.

[ChrisH100 in reply to SeasideSusie]

Ok I'll try all those....thank you !

[SlowDragon Administrator]

So with Hashimoto's are you strictly gluten free?

Do you take any supplements and have you got recent test results for vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12

Has your GP agreed to dose increase

[ChrisH100 in reply to SlowDragon]

I've been gluten and dairy free now for nearly 2 weeks - I haven't got latest results for vit d etc but am going to request from my dr - what thyroxin level do you think I should be taking bearing in mind I'm on 100 mcg and am currently at tsh of 4.6...thanks Chris

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Find out vitamin levels, (and ranges) then if they need improving with supplements this will help you use your thyroid hormones better

Have you noticed any improvement since going GF and dairy free

How long have you been taking 100mcgs. Level can go on improving some time after increase in dose

[ChrisH100 in reply to SlowDragon]

been feeling much better especially my focus but I've had a particularly bad day today - hands and feet freezing cold, achy, tired and feeling very low. Came from nowhere....do people with hash ever feel better?

[ChrisH100 in reply to SlowDragon]

About 10 days ago went up to 10 mcg...