Thyroid results feedback welcome

[Amanda1987]

New here

TSH 23.8 (0.27 - 4.20)

FREE T4 10.3 (12.0 - 22.0)

FREE T3 3.2 (3.1 - 6.8)

TPO ANTIBODY >1300 (<34)

TG ANTIBODIES 258.3 (<115)

Taking 25 mcg of levothyroxine and diagnosed 4 months ago

Thank you for reading

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Is this your second blood test? Or the original test that gave you diagnosis?

Blood should be tested 6-8 weeks max after starting Levo

All thyroid tests should be done as early as possible in morning and fasting and if taking Levo don't take it in the 24 hours prior to test, delay and take straight after.

Always get actual results and ranges. Levothyroxine should be increased in 25mcg steps, retesting again after 6-8 weeks thus should continue until TSH is low in range and symptoms improve (usually TSH about 1 or slightly less for most with Hashimoto's)

Always take Levo on empty stomach and then nothing apart from water for at least an hour after. Many take on waking, but it may be more convenient and possibly more effective taken at bedtime

verywell.com/should-i-take-...

Many people find Levothyroxine brands are not interchangeable. Once you find a brand that suits you, best to make sure to only get that one at each prescription.

Your antibodies are high this is Hashimoto's, (also known as autoimmune thyroid disease). About 90% of hypothyroidism in UK is due to Hashimoto's.

Hashimoto's very often affects the gut, leading to low stomach acid, low vitamin levels and leaky gut.

Low vitamins that affect thyroid are vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12. Important to test these. If they are too low they stop Thyroid hormones working.

Have these been tested, if not ask that they are. Always get actual results and ranges.

As you have Hashimoto's then hidden food intolerances may be causing issues, most common by far is gluten. Changing to a strictly gluten free diet may help reduce symptoms and eventually start to lower antibodies. Very very many of us here find it really helps and can slowly lower antibodies, improving symptoms

thyroidpharmacist.com/artic...

thyroidpharmacist.com/artic...

amymyersmd.com/2017/02/3-im...

chriskresser.com/the-gluten...

[Amanda1987 in reply to SlowDragon]

First blood test, I haven't been asked to come back for a retest. Vitamins and minerals have been checked. Thanks

[Angel_of_the_North]

You are very undermedicated and need a dose increase - you should have had a blood test after 6 weeks and an increase of 25mcg, and another test in another 6 weeks and another increase and so on until you feel well. The aim of thyroid medication is to remove symptoms - for msot people this means TSH uner 1 and FT4 in teh top quarter of the range. You should probably have been started on 50 mcg, not 25 (which is a reduced starter dose for the very elderly, the frail and those with heart problems). If your GP has neglected you like this, it might be time to look for a new GP.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Ring and ask GP to leave you a thyroid blood test form with receptionist. You need retest asap

Testing for TSH, FT4, FT3 (ideally but probably unlikely)

Post results of your vitamins (and the ranges.)

Highly likely they will need supplementing. Being "in range" is not the same as optimal