new blood test results, are these ok

[breadmaker]

Bloods taken on 22.3.18, only had water and no breakfast and an early morning blood draw.

TSH 3.01 (0.27-4.20)

Free T3 3.9 (2.8-7.1)

Free T4 18.3 (9.0-26.0)

My previous test in October was

TSH 2.15

Free T3 3.9

Free T4 19.2 (all with same ranges)

My TSH is creeping up by my GP is unconcerned because it is within 'normal' range. I have hashi. I tried going gluten free for a few months but did not seem to make a difference to symptoms. Symptoms are general tiredness, coupled with chronic and awful insomnia. Aches and pains that come and go and general feelings of anxiety. I had 'tiredness' bloods taken B12 etc and they were all at the upper range of normal. Sometimes I am so tired I can barely hold a conversation but then I can't sleep. Unfortunately in my job I have to talk all day! Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Sorry forgot to add I am on 75mg levothyroxine.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Your results suggest you are under medicated

Official NHS guidelines saying TSH should be between 0.2 and 2.0 when on Levothyroxine

(Many of us need TSH nearer 0.2 than 2.0 to feel well)

See box

Thyroxine replacement in primary hypothyroidism

pathology.leedsth.nhs.uk/pa...

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 at

[e-mail]

Have you had vitamin D tested? This is linked to insomnia.

drgominak.com/sleep/vitamin...

Also what were actual results and ranges for B12, folate and ferritin?

[breadmaker in reply to SlowDragon]

Hi thanks for your response. I will take the chart from the Leeds Teaching Hospital to my GP. I will also email Thyroid UK. I have seen just about every GP in the practice. They all sing from the same hymn sheet. The 'normal' levels are for everyone including those on medication. When I argue that this is not the case I feel I am treated as if I have some form of hypochondria. I work for the NHS and also have a science degree but I am made to feel as if I am wasting their valuable time - that's why I always read this forum.

I did have Vit D deficiency a few years ago and was on meds for a year. I now self medicate over the winter months with vit D-3 and K-2 (1,000iu and 45mg). I don't have the exact figures for the B12 levels but I remember they were at the top end of the normal range. I can't recall the levels for folate and ferritin (would have to look them up).

I will make an appointment to see my GP after Easter as she will not call me as my results are 'normal'. In her eyes anyway......

[breadmaker in reply to SlowDragon]

just wanted to say thanks for the advice. I took the Leeds Hospital chart and the Thyroid UK - Dr Toft article to my GP. He agreed to up the thyroxine to 75mg/100mg. With very little argument. With a blood test in 6 weeks. I think the evidence placed in front of him made it very difficult for him to refuse.

[beh1]

I felt awful too with a t3 level of 3.9.

Could you ask gp for a trial of 100/75 alternating? Your tsh has room to drop before it’s out of range. Have another chat to gp, emphasising it’s affecting your work, home life etc and trial more levo firstly as it’s easier. Just my opinion.

[breadmaker in reply to beh1]

Hi thanks for your reply. I will ask about alternating. This may get a better response than when I requested an increase and trial of just 100. Which was a big NO. The thing that the GP can't get their head round is when I first started on Levo I slept like a baby for about 3 months. Then I got my insomnia back. I have not had more than 5 hours sleep since Feb 2015 and 5 hours is a good night, it is usually 3-4. Except when I started Levo (end of 2015) and only for 3 months.

I will see GP after Easter and see what she says.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Suggest you ask for vitamin D test too

Or DIY via vitamindtest.org.uk £28 postal kit

Ask GP to test ferritin, folate and B12