Im new here and could do with some help please...

[Pinky11]

Initial Blood test 11 weeks ago results -

Serum free T4 Level <5.2 pmo/L [9.0-24.0] Below range

Serum TSH Level 98.50 mu/L [0.2-4.5] Above range

GP prescribed Levothyroxine 100mcg

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Blood test 6 weeks later-

Serum Free T4 Level 19.9 pmo/L [9.0-24.0]

Serum TSH Level 0.26mu/L [0.2-4.5]

As I wasnt feeling on top of the world and hadnt noticed any real difference in myself GP ordered more blood tests in 4 weeks but to continue with 100mcg

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latest results-

Serum free T4 level 20.0 pmo/L [9.0-24.0]

Serum TSH level 0.07mu/L [0.2-4.5} below range/below low reference limit.

GP cut dosage to 50mcg as thinks maybe because i want showing symptoms as bad as they should have been for my initial results that 100mcg was too high. Have been on the 50mcg for a week now but im still feeling like im on a rollercoaster - fine one minute then crying my eyes out the next for no apparent reason, then anxious about an upcoming trip, then wanted to rip the head off anyone who says/does the wrong thing?!?!? Really scared as before all this i was patient, laid back and easy going!!

Any advise, similar feelings will be gladly received as just want to feel normal again. Thanks in advance x

[Clutter]

Welcome to the forum, Pinky11.

Your GP probably thinks you are over medicated because TSH was below range. You weren't because FT4 20 is comfortably within range. Read Treatment Options in thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_... Email [e-mail] if you would like a copy of the Pulse article to show your GP.

You will inevitably become undermedicated on 50mcg. Your GP should not have halved dose. Dose adjustments should be in 25mcg increments every 6-8 weeks as required. If you have sufficient 100mcg tablets left you could take 50mcg/100mcg alternate days to average 75mcg daily.

You should have a follow up thyroid test 6-8 weeks after dose was reduced to check levels. 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/about_...

Symptoms can lag behind good biochemistry by several months. Once you are optimally dosed symptoms will improve and emotions won't be so up and down.

[Pinky11 in reply to Clutter]

Thankyou Clutter for your reply. GP didnt reduce dosage due to my TSH being below range but because I hadnt felt any improvement over the 6 weeks and also that when i went to see him initially i was just slightly tired and he said that with my result of 98.50 TSH level he would have expected me to be totally exhausted which i wasnt. So in his mind im not textbook so thought halving dose may help.

Hopefully I will soon be optimally dosed as cant wait to feel more like my old self again

[TimD250172 in reply to Pinky11]

Hi Pinky11,

Sounds very similar to me, I had little or no symptoms and had a TSH >50. Went straight on 100mcg Levothyroxine and subsequently after a few weeks I felt quite bad.

Having reduced down to 75mcg after getting some great advice on here things started to improve slowly. I’m now on 100 again and working on my vitamin levels.

Hopefully things will settle down for you once you find the right dose.

It’s not an overnight thing unfortunately but with great advice and support from the wonderful people on this forum hopefully you’ll be feeling better soon.

[Pinky11 in reply to TimD250172]

Thanks TimD250172

Ive seen the great help and advice others have received and appreciate the replies ive got so far.

Hopefully things will settle soon

[Clutter in reply to Pinky11]

Pinky11,

GP did right to start you on 100mcg to quickly raise FT4 and reduce TSH but reducing dose isn't likely to help with fatigue and as I said, it can take months, not weeks, for symptoms to improve once you are optimally dosed.

[Pinky11 in reply to Clutter]

Thanks have taken all your advice on board and will make sure I fast for next blood test The nurse at my surgery suggested joining here as she has found it a great help herself.

[Clutter in reply to Pinky11]

Pinky11,

Nice to hear that a nurse finds the forum helpful. Thyroid UK is recommended by NHS Choices.