Free t4

[Feelshitnfat]

My first test after starting levothyroxine is tsh 5.54 and free t4 13.6. Latter range is 12-22. What am I aiming for? Thanks

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Generally, a hypo patient feels best when TSH is 1 or below or wherever it is needed for FT4 and FT3 to be in the upper part of their reference ranges - if that is where you feel well. We are all individual and may differ from that generalisation slightly.

Make sure you have retests and 25mcg Levo increases every 6 weeks until you feel well and symptoms abate.

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