Long-time thyroid patient

[Seeker56]

I had my thyroid removed about 40 years ago. I had a large goiter and my surgery score is fairly large. I was then diagnosed with hypothyroid. I suffer with weight and emotional turbulence. It has not been easy.

[shaws Administrator]

Have you had a recent blood test re your thyroid hormones. If not, ask GP to do a Full Thyroid Function Test. I think you are due that at the very least as you've had no thyroid gland for 40 years.

First, make the very earliest appointment and fast (you cleast an drink water) and allow a gap of 24 hours between last dose of levo and test and take afterwards.

You need TSH, T4, T3, Free T4, Free T3 and thyroid antibodies.

The aim is a TSH of 1 or lower with both FT4 and FT3 in the upper part of the range.

Also request B12,Vit D, iron, ferritin and folate as deficiencies can also cause clinical symptoms.

I think, after forty years, the least he could do is give you a FTF and vitamins/minerals check.

[Clutter]

Welcome to the forum, Seeker56,

If you post your recent thyroid results and ranges members will advise whether you are optimally dosed. Being undermedicated can be emotionally unsettling and can make it impossible to lose weight.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

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 print it and highlight question 6 to show your doctor

please email Dionne:
[e-mail]

Prof Toft - article just published now saying T3 is likely essential for many. Note his comment especially regarding inadequate treatment of thyroidectomy or RAI patients after treatment

rcpe.ac.uk/sites/default/fi...

[Seeker56]

I do see a doctor every 6 months. My thyroid has been a little unsettled but I think I am back on track. My insurance approves Levothyroxine and I take 125 mg. My doctor added Levothyronine. I probably massacred the spelling. My last blood test was pretty good but I return in March for a check-up. This seems to be a very knowledgeable group.