Dose should only ever be increased or decreased by 25mcg. That is an enormous reduction and your likely to be very unwell
Your results showed low FT3, so you are hypo. Very likely poor conversion due to low vitamins
Do you also have high thyroid antibodies? You need to know. Did GP or Endo ever test these? If not ask that they are tested.
Essential to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12.
Always get actual results and ranges. Post results when you have them, members can advise
Low vitamin levels stop Thyroid hormone working
If antibodies are high this is Hashimoto's, (also known by medics here in UK more commonly as autoimmune thyroid disease). About 90% of all hypothyroidism in Uk is due to Hashimoto's
Poor gut function can lead leaky gut (literally holes in gut wall) this can cause food intolerances. Most common by far is gluten
According to Izabella Wentz the Thyroid Pharmacist approx 5% with Hashimoto's are coeliac, but over 80% find gluten free diet helps significantly. Either due to direct gluten intolerance (no test available) or due to leaky gut and gluten causing molecular mimicry (see Amy Myers link)
But don't be surprised that GP or endo never mention gut, gluten or low vitamins. Hashimoto's is very poorly understood
Changing to a strictly gluten free diet may help reduce symptoms, help gut heal and slowly lower TPO antibodies
Medichecks Thyroid plus ultra vitamin or Blue Horizon Thyroid plus eleven are the most popular choice. DIY finger prick test or option to pay extra for private blood draw. Both companies often have money off offers.
All thyroid tests should be done as early as possible in morning and fasting and don't take Levo in the 24 hours prior to test, delay and take straight after. This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results
Thankyou I wasn't aware of the new results that were taken until I had them written in a letter sent to me. I figured that the endo wants to keep me unwell and I am reducing my thyroxine and he is hoping they will show undermedicated results.
Endo is an idiot. Of course you will be undermedicated by a dose reduction of 100mcg. Some doctors wouldn't consider you are over replaced on 150mcg. Read Treatment Options in thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_... Email dionne.fulcher@thyroiduk.org if you would like a copy of the Pulse article to show your endo.
As SlowDragon said, dose adjustments should be in 25mcg increments. I really would ask for a second opinion because you are going to feel awful with such a big dose reduction.
150mcg thyroxine when TSH was 5.30. I have asked my GP if I can be referred for a second opinion but the GP cancelled my phone appointment with her because I need to be seen in clinic if I want a second opinion
Write to PALS at the hospital and ask for a consultant endocrinologist to review your results and the endos dose reduction. Ask your GP not to reduce your prescription until you've had a second opinion.
Thankyou I don't see the GP until the 20 December and bloods for thyroid and B12 injection were due to be done before the end of the year. I don't think the GP is going to fit me in before New Year for these. I can try calling PALS Monday morning.
Thankyou I have the forms given to me by endo in November for TSH, Free T4, Free T3, folate B12 and ferritin. GP cannot fit me in for blood draws between now and next year.
Thankyou all bloods for thyroid done early morning and fasting. Because I get a bus funded by my work which picks me up at 8:30am I am only able to get bloods done by taking a day off work. I have no days off work until 22 December.
Personally I'd rather get well and show them that way. Not feel even worse.
Many/most endo's have no idea of importance of gut, gluten and low vitamin levels
Strictly gluten free diet, plus vitamins at tip top levels (essential to test first)
Many endo's are Diabetes specialists and NOT thyroid experts
Keeping dose high enough so TSH low, around one (maximum) and FT4 towards top of range and FT3 at least half way in range
Dr Toft, past president of the British Thyroid Association and leading endocrinologist, states in Pulse Magazine,
"The appropriate dose of levothyroxine is that which restores euthyroidism and serum TSH to the lower part of the reference range - 0.2-0.5mU/l.
In this case, free thyroxine is likely to be in the upper part of its reference range or even slightly elevated – 18-22pmol/l.
Most patients will feel well in that circumstance. But some need a higher dose of levothyroxine to suppress serum TSH and then the serum-free T4 concentration will be elevated at around 24-28pmol/l.
This 'exogenous subclinical hyperthyroidism' is not dangerous as long as serum T3 is unequivocally normal – that is, serum total around T3 1.7nmol/l (reference range 1.0-2.2nmol/l)."
You can obtain a copy of the articles from Thyroid UK email dionne.fulcher@thyroidUK.org. print it and highlight question 6 to show your doctor.
Very many with Hashimoto's have significant vitamin deficiencies and highly likely essential to need to be gluten free
If after that FT3 remains low then find a T3 friendly endo
Email Thyroid UK for list of recommended thyroid specialists dionne.fulcher@thyroidUK.org
See this reply from SeasideSusie to someone on 50mcg and consequently very low vitamins
Thankyou was due to have B12 injection in September and I am not due to see GP until December 20 for medication review. I have results from 6 months ago can post these if needed
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Hi
Results going up and down advice please
