Blood results

[DPW65]

Had thyroid checked for many years but always comes back within range, feeling exhausted, no energy, falling asleep, nails breaking etc. Here are my blood results

TSH 4. (.27-4.2)

Free T4 15. (11-22)

Free t3 4.4. (3.1-6.8)

Not taking thyroxine or any thyroid medication.

[Scazzoh]

Hi DPW, sorry you are feeling rough. Your TSH is a smidgeon within range so your doctor is not likely to prescribe Levothyroxine. Your free T4 is mid-range, but the active T3 is on the low side. Unfortunately, just because your blood tests are within range, doesn't mean you will feel well, although this is how doctors would like it to be. NICE guidelines state that doctors can prescribe a 'trial' of Levothyroxine for people whose blood ranges fall within normal ranges but are experiencing thyroid type symptoms. Here is the extract:

'cks.nice.org.uk/hypothyroid...

oIf TSH is between 4 and 10 mU/L and FT4 is within the normal range

In people aged less than 65 years with symptoms suggestive of hypothyroidism, consider a trial of LT4 and assess response to treatment 3–4 months after TSH stabilises within the reference range — see the section on Prescribing information for further information on initiation and titration of LT4. If there is no improvement in symptoms, stop LT4.

In older people (especially those aged over 80 years), follow a 'watch and wait' strategy, generally avoiding hormonal treatment. If a decision is made to treat, prescribe LT4 and recheck TSH two months after starting and adjust the dose accordingly.

'

I hope you are under 80 years old as you will not be given treatment under these guidelines.

Keep a record of all your blood results so you can make comparisons and track any improvements/deteriorations. Also, I would make a list of all your symptoms (there are over 300 for under active thyroid) and show them to your doctor.

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

Let us know how you get on.