Hi I am new, please could I have my bloods interpreted for thyroid. Antibodies done privately. TSH and free T4 and free T3 done by NHS GP. Taking 50mcg diagnosed 2011. Thank you
THYROGLOBULIN ANTIBODY *778.5 (0 - 115 IU/ML NEGATIVE)
THYROID PEROXIDASE ANTIBODY *673 (0 - 34 IU/ML NEGATIVE)
SERUM TSH *40.5 (0.27 - 4.20 MIU/L)
SERUM FREE T4 *10.2 (12.0 - 22.0 PMOL/L)
SERUM FREE T3 *3.0 (3.10 - 6.80 PMOL/L)
Welcome to the forum, Odessa.
You are very undermedicated on 50mcg to have TSH 40.5 with both FT4 and FT3 below range. Your GP should have increased dose. Ask for an appointment to discuss as soon as possible. Dose increases are usually in 25mcg-50mcg increments and NICE CKS recommends 3-4 weekly thyroid tests and dose increases until thyroid levels are adequate. 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 0.27 - 1.0 with FT4 in the upper range. FT4 needs to be in the upper range in order that sufficient T3 is converted. 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 GP.
Thyroid peroxidase antibodies are positive for autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's). There is no cure for Hashimoto's which causes 90% of hypothyroidism. Levothyroxine treatment is for the low thyroid levels it causes. Many people have found that 100% gluten-free diet is helpful in reducing Hashi flares, symptoms and eventually antibodies.
Symptoms list -
Bloating
Constipation mixed with diarrhoea
Fluctuating weight
Low pulse
Dizziness after standing from sitting
Tinnitus
Dry skin
Tiredness
Muscle cramps
Depression
Memory loss
Breathlessness
Mouth and lip ulcers
Hair loss
Dark circles under eyes
Joint pain
Cold intolerance
Shocking! I agree change Drs and complain to the Practice Manager!
Highly likely to have extremely low vitamin levels as a result of being so under medicated
Have you had vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 tested recently? If not ask that they are done immediately. Post results and ranges if you have them on new post
Make an urgent "on the day" appointment today
You need 25mcg dose increase in Levo. Blood retest after 6-8 weeks. Likely to need several more increases always retesting each time.
Until TSH is around one and FT4 towards top of range and FT3 at least half way in range
Hashimoto's affects the gut and leads to low vitamin levels
Low vitamin levels stop Thyroid hormone working
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
thyroidpharmacist.com/artic...
thyroidpharmacist.com/artic...
amymyersmd.com/2017/02/3-im...
chriskresser.com/the-gluten...
scdlifestyle.com/2014/08/th...
drknews.com/changing-your-d...
If you have only ever been on 50mcg your GP has been very negligent. This is only a starter dose
Read as much as possible about Hashimoto's
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
Link about antibodies
thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...
Link about thyroid blood tests
thyroiduk.org/tuk/testing/t...
Print this list of symptoms off, tick all that apply and take to GP
thyroiduk.org/tuk/about_the...
See Box 1. Some possible causes of persistent symptoms in euthyroid patients on L-T4
results in from blue horizon, help please?
Test results...could anyone take a look for me? X
Blue Horizon test results advice needed
Thyroid results 
Thyroid results
