underactive thyroid

[Di1951]

hi i have had a underactive thyroid for 20 odd years. i keep seeing weird numbers from people on here like t3 b1 ect what there blood count is ect. all i have ever been told by different doctors is i have underactive thyroid and i take 200 mg a day am i missing something thanks Di

[Marz]

They may seem weird to you but they are very important numbers to know if you are wanting to take responsibility for your health and wellness.

If you are well and do not have any health issues then that is fine. Many people do well on Levothyroxine and those that do not - find their way here to learn more.

You are legally entitled to have copies of all your test results with ranges so you can monitor your own health. Also it is a good way of finding out what has been missed. The link below takes you to the main website of this Forum where you can read and learn everything about the Thyroid.

Are you taking any other medications ? Do you have any gut issues ? There are over 300 symptoms linked to the thyroid - many of which you will see in the link below ....

thyroiduk.org

[SlowDragon Administrator]

If you feel unwell then for full evaluation you ideally need TSH, FT4, FT3, TT4, TPO and TG antibodies, plus vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 tested

Very important to test antibodies and vitamins

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

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...

First thing is do you have any actual blood test results, if not will need to get hold of copies.

You are legally entitled to copies of your own blood test results

UK GP practices are supposed to offer online access for blood test results. Ring and ask if this is available and apply to do so if possible. In reality many GP surgeries do not have blood test results online yet

Alternatively ring receptionist and request printed copies of results. Allow couple of days and then go and pick up. They can make nominal charge for printing but many will do so for free (£10 max) or whole printed medical record for £50

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

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

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

[Treepie]

I think Marz says all that needs to be said in her first sentence.Try reading on the Thyroid UK site.