Advice on results please.

[soozie11]

Hi. I have just had my bloods done. Please can someone tell me their thoughts on these.

On the whole I’m feeling good. Some days I can barely get up even though I have had a nights sleep but these days are probably only once a week. On these days I have acute pains in my legs and feel terrible. I am also on HRT which has really helped.

The reason I wanted my bloods doing is because I’m constantly gaining weight and I’m fed up not being able to lose any weight.

Free T3 4.3 pmol/L (4.0-7.0 U)

Free T4 21 pmol/L (10-21U)

TSH level. 1.59 mU/L (0.55-4.78)

Thank you.

[Mary-intussuception]

If you wake one morning with acute leg pain and feel terrible and on HRT, then I would see a doctor the same morning.

[Mary-intussuception in reply to Mary-intussuception]

ps

You don't say what Thyroid meds you are on but your T4 is top of the range whist your T3 is low? Apart from occassionally acute leg pain after bed rest you feel ok?

[soozie11 in reply to Mary-intussuception]

I am on 100/125mcg levothyroxine alternate days. I fatigue easily and have dry skin, hair loss weight gain eye problems and sometimes feel I have to take very deep breaths ( don’t know what that is) but nothing like the symptoms I used to have. I was also deficient in vit D and have had supplements for that.I’ve been hypo since 2011.

[Clutter in reply to soozie11]

Soozie11,

I agree, you should see your GP ASAP about the acute pains in your leg. I would stop HRT immediately in the meantime in case the pain is caused by a DVT.

There is scope to increase Levothyroxine dose to 125mcg daily. It will tip FT4 over range a little but that will help raise FT3 which should improve energy and reduce fatigue.

The goal of Levothyroxine is to restore the patient to euthyroid status. For most patients that will be when TSH is 0.55 - 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 [e-mail] if you would like a copy of the Pulse article to show your GP.

[soozie11 in reply to Clutter]

Thank you clutter for your advice. Sore legs are a common thing for me also cramp in my feet and itching foot arch on Left foot. I doubt it is related to the hrt but thank you for your advice.

[Clutter in reply to soozie11]

Soozie11,

Cramp is often due to low magnesium. You can supplement magnesium citrate to relieve cramp but you must take it 4-6 hours away from Levothyroxine. It's a relaxant so best taken at night. Magnesium oil spray and Epsom Salts baths can also relieve cramp.

[Mary-intussuception in reply to soozie11]

Soozie 11

Despite your history of leg problems , please be concerned about the fact that HRT can cause DVT and Pulmonary Embolism.

Do you have Varicose veins?

If acute leg pain comes on after a night's bed rest, or sitting for a long time, then you need to see a doctor straight away.

Looking at those results , I assumed you were on Levothyroxine only. Have you considered asking for a referal to an Endocrinologist to try and get your T3 back? Not sure what the situation is in Scotland. I'm in Wales, I believe everyone has free prescriptions in Scotland also. Not sure how easy it would be to get a referal though.

You have symptoms - shouldn't that justify Endo referal?

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Are you on maintenance dose of vitamin D, is it just 800iu. It may not be enough

Ask GP to retest vitamin D, also test folate, ferritin and B12

Do you have Hashimoto's also called autoimmune thyroid disease diagnosed by high thyroid antibodies?

[soozie11 in reply to SlowDragon]

Hi slow dragon. I was put on 3200iu vitamin D3 in 2016 for 3 months. That was it. I have not had it tested again.

My B12 was tested in sept 2016 302ng/L (200-700).

My folate was 10.1 ug/L (3-20)

I have never had my ferritin done and never been told if I have Hashimotos or had my thyroid antibodies tested.

My last bloods were taken in July 2017. I had been on T3 for a 3 month trial, and dropped levo to 100mcg per day( Prescribed in USA ) the results then were

free T3 4.2 (4-7)

Free T4 20 (10-25)

TSH 0.65.

I lost 4lbs in that three months and felt great.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to soozie11]

Why was T3 not continued

Vitamin levels drop significantly after T3 is withdrawn

Ask GP to retest vitamins or get privately

Your FT3 looks to low

Are you in UK?

[soozie11]

Yes slow dragon I am in Uk. We were in USA on holiday and a dr there took my bloods and prescribed T3. I tried to continue it through NHS but was told it is not available in scotland. I’m happy to buy it privately but only if I can be sure it is of benefit to me. It’s just my weight I’m concerned with really.

Thanks for your help. I will go to the Gp and ask for my vitamin levels to be re tested but sadly some of the drs can be a little less understanding than others and it’s pot luck which dr you see.

Thank you for your advice.