Drop in tsh normal??

[Ruth63]

6 weeks ago I had only tsh test which was 1.6 now it seems to of dropped more down to 0.8 is this normal to drop so much in 6 weeks?

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

We're both tests done at the same time of day?

Did you eat before either of the tests?

[Ruth63 in reply to SeasideSusie]

Never ate before hand as was told I shouldn't with both, and yeah both roughly about lunchtime

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Ruth63]

Are the reference ranges the same for both tests?

[Ruth63 in reply to SeasideSusie]

Sorry 1.9 (0.3 -4.5) and was 3 weeks ago not 6 sorry

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Ruth63]

I can't think of any explanation then other than TSH is not static and will differ to some extent.

I would look into what I suggested in reply to your previous thread. Also repeat the test at some point to see if your antibodies remain low or whether they rise and indicate autoimmune thyroid disease.

[Ruth63 in reply to SeasideSusie]

Ok thank you again, I just seem to have so many questions about it all x

[shaws Administrator in reply to Ruth63]

We all had questions when quite newly diagnosed and some even if diagnosed for a long, long time but not seeming to improve at all.

It is natural that we want answers and they aren't forthcoming (usually) fromt he experts.

[SmallBlueThing]

Mine was 2 to 3 all last year, with steadily increasing dose. In January, it dropped from 2 to 0.2. I had no thyrotoxicosis symptoms, but dropped my dose by 25 mcg every other day. Even so, for the last test my TSH had dropped further, to 0.13, and I've been promised a free T3 test next time, as I still feel hypo.

[eeng]

This is the danger of doctors only focussing on the TSH and not looking at the wider picture - FT3, FT4 and TSH together. Your FT4 and FT3 readings are towards the bottom of the ranges, so i guess you feel pretty hypo. Your doctor should be considering raising your Levothyroxine dose because of the FT4 and FT3 readings, however she/he probably isn't because of your TSH reading. People with hypothyroidism tend to feel better if their FT4 and FT3 readings are in the top quarter of the range. I believe there is an article from Dr Toft saying as much. You can search this site and it should come up.

[Ruth63 in reply to eeng]

I'm not on any medication I'm still trying to get an diagnosis at this stage, x

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to eeng]

eeng

Ruth has been advised in a previous post to look into Central Hypothyroidism due to low TSH, and low Free Ts.

[Angel_of_the_North]

It can drop by 75% over the course of a day. Highest in the early morning. It's not a good guide to your thyroid status. Your free t4 is right at the bottom of the range, suggesting that you are undermedicated. It is always recommended to have tests as early as possible in the morning, fasting, as doctors tend to get fixated on TSH even though it is not a thyroid hormone and varies over the course of a day.

[Ruth63 in reply to Angel_of_the_North]

I'm not on any medication at the moment I'm still trying to get a diagnosis x

[Angelic69]

verywell.com/what-is-the-op...

This link will guide you about optimal TSH. Hope it helps.

[seekingjenna71]

My TSH has also being dropping steadily. I'm certainly not overdosed. Last time it was 0.04 in the same range as others have posted. My t3 wasn't tested but my t4 is well with in range. The first GP insisted on a dose reduction. I saw another GP and persuaded him to leave it be with another check in 6 months.

[JOLLYDOLLY]

Hi Ruth63,

My last TSH was 4.87 but it has been as low as 0.09. (in both cases, ranges were (0.27-4.2) am being retested in a few weeks as my T4 - 14.8 (ranges 12-22).

They rarely do T3 and I am not pushing it as then they can't take me off my T3 medication which they could try to do. The time it was tested I think it was 3.1. Not sure what the range was, but I think I was in the middle??

I do feel a little tired this week but I think it is because I am trying a new brand of T3 called Morningside, so have put it down to that. Once I have taken it, I am ok.

I would say you needed medication and can't understand why they have not started you on it, doesn't seem right to me. TSH levels are not a good indicator of underactive thyroid and i never understand GP's. But as already mentioned, for future reference, never take medication until after your blood test has been done.

I hope you will soon be sorted but if unhappy, seek a second opinion. I am not medically trained but I think you should be on medication with the results you have provided.

Let us know how you get on and take care

[Ruth63 in reply to JOLLYDOLLY]

Thank you I will do x