Thyroid results after 3 months on Levothroxine. - Thyroid UK

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Thyroid results after 3 months on Levothroxine.

Harthill42 profile image
11 Replies

Hi, Could I please ask for interrupting of my results. I started on 50 in November, increased to 75 in December. 4weeks later results attached. I still feel not right at all for want of a better word. I am going to discuss with the Dr, I don’t feel normal as it indicates.

Guidance appreciated

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Harthill42 profile image
Harthill42
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11 Replies
Treepie profile image
Treepie

Sadly ,I cannot read upside down and if I turn the ipad round the pic goes round ad well so still upside down.

Harthill42 profile image
Harthill42 in reply to Treepie

I shall try again Thanks

Clutter profile image
Clutter

Harthill42,

TSH 0.98 is low-normal and FT4 14.1 is low in range. There is scope to increase dose to raise FT4 which should ideally be higher in range. If your GP won't increase dose to 100mcg try and negotiate 75mcg/100mcg alternate days.

The goal of Levothyroxine is to restore the patient to euthyroid status. For most patients that will be when TSH is 0.2 - 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.

shaws profile image
shawsAdministrator

Unfortunately many don't feel the benefit of levothyroxine until they reach a high enough dose and your doctor is only looking at your TSH which is low so believes you don't warrant an increase.The most important blood test is the Free T3 but you might have to get a private blood test for this one. We have two private labs who do home pin-prick tests.

Your FT4 is in the middle od the eange and should be nearer the upper part. So I suspect you are not on sufficient levo or need to have some T3 added. Your doctor should also check B12, Vit D, iron, ferritin and folate.

Harthill42 profile image
Harthill42 in reply to shaws

Thank you so much for this, with the awful uploaded picture & you understanding my meaning of interpretation of the results. What you say makes so much sense as I am not fully functional

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator

Your FT4 is too low. TSH is fairly low so GP may be reluctant to increase

For full evaluation you ideally need TSH, FT4, FT3, TT4, TPO and TG antibodies, plus vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 tested

Do you have high thyroid antibodies? Do you know if ever been tested? This gives diagnosis of cause as Hashimoto's also called autoimmune thyroid disease

Very important to know

Low vitamins are extremely common

See if you can get full thyroid and vitamin testing from GP. Unlikely to get FT3

Private tests are available

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

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

Is this how you did the test?

Link about antibodies

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

Link about thyroid blood tests

thyroiduk.org/tuk/testing/t...

List of hypothyroid symptoms

thyroiduk.org/tuk/about_the...

Harthill42 profile image
Harthill42 in reply to SlowDragon

No not tested for anything, I shall look into this. Thank you so much

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply to Harthill42

If your 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 so it's likely

Essential to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12.

Always get actual results and ranges. Post results when you have them, members can advise

Hashimoto's affects the gut and leads to low stomach acid and then low vitamin levels

Low vitamin levels affect 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 gut connection is very poorly understood

Changing to a strictly gluten free diet may help reduce symptoms, help gut heal and slowly lower TPO antibodies

Ideally ask GP for coeliac blood test first

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...

thyroidpharmacist.com/artic...

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply to Harthill42

Absolutely essential to know if you have Hashimoto's (high thyroid antibodies)

And to test vitamin D, and ferritin. Ideally BEFORE starting T3, not after.

Harthill42 profile image
Harthill42 in reply to SlowDragon

Thank you for your reply. Yes I have Hashimotos Vitamin D was up from my last test in July, even though I didn’t know I had Hypo or Hashimotos. Supplements also with B12 with B complex as Pernicious A serum tested as positive but no action!!

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply to Harthill42

Are you on strictly gluten free diet as you have Hashimoto's?

You may find it essential when on T3

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