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[SammyH4]

Do results indicate hypothyroidism? Not diagnosed thankyou

TPO ANTIBODIES 271 (<34)

TSH 55.8 (0.2 - 4.2)

FREE T4 10.4 (12 - 22)

FREE T3 3.1 (3.1 - 6.8)

[Clutter]

SammyH4,

The results confirm primary hypothyroidism because TSH is very high and FT4 below range with FT3 bottom of range. You should make an appointment to see your GP for Levothyroxine. NICE recommends 50mcg - 100mcg as a starting dose. cks.nice.org.uk/hypothyroid...

The goal of Levothyroxine is to restore the patient to euthyroid status. For most patients that will be when TSH is 0.4 - 1.0 with FT4 in the upper range. FT4 needs to be in the upper range in order that sufficient T3 is converted.

For maximum absorption Levothyroxine should be taken with water 1 hour before, or 2 hours after, food and drink, 2 hours away from other medication and supplements, and 4 hours away from calcium, iron, vitamin D supplements, magnesium and oestrogen.

It takes 7-10 days for Levothyroxine to be absorbed before it starts working and it will take up to six weeks to feel the full impact of the dose. Symptoms may lag behind good biochemistry by several months.

You should have a follow up thyroid test 6-8 weeks after starting Levothyroxine. Arrange an early morning and fasting (water only) blood draw when TSH is highest, and take Levothyroxine after your blood draw.

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/diagno...

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

[SammyH4 in reply to Clutter]

Thankyou GP has now started me on Levothyroxine

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

SammyH4 Are these GP tests? Has he seen them? What has he said?

Yes, they indicate Hypothyroidism and you should be started on Levo ASAP.

You are also positive for autoimmune thyroid disease aka Hashimoto's which is where antibodies attack the thyroid and gradually destroy it. The antibody fluctuate and cause fluctuations in symptoms and test results. You can help reduce the antibodies by adopting a strict gluten free diet which has helped many members here. Gluten contains gliadin which is a protein thought to trigger antibody attacks. You don't have to be coeliac for gluten free to help reduce the antibodies. Also, supplementing with selenium L-selenomethionine 200mcg daily can help reduce antibodies as can keeping TSH suppressed.

chriskresser.com/the-gluten...

hypothyroidmom.com/hashimot...

stopthethyroidmadness.com/h...

stopthethyroidmadness.com/h...

[SammyH4 in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thankyou GP has started me on Levothyroxine. I am to take 25mcg a day.

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to SammyH4]

You could have been started on a higher dose unless you are elderly or have a heart condition.

You will need repeat tests and increases of 25mcg Levo every 6-8 weeks until your 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 if that is where you feel well.

When having thyroid tests always book the earliest appointment of the morning, 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. TSH is highest very early in the morning and lowers throughout the day, it also lowers after eating. This is a patient to patient tip which your GP or phlebotomist will most likely disagree with some don't discuss it with them.

Take your Levo on an empty stomach, one hour before or two hours after food, with a glass of water, no tea, coffee, milk, etc for an hour as absorption will be affected. Take Levo two hours away from any other medication and supplements (some need four hours).

As you have Hashimoto's, low nutrient levels are quite common. Ask for the following to be tested

Vit D

B12

Folate

Ferritin

And if ferritin is low then iron panel and full blood count

All need to be optimal, not just in range, for thyroid hormone to work.