I'm new here and seeking reassurance...

I've had Hypothyroidism for around 5/6 years and take 125/150 levo alternative days. Apparently I'm 'normal' and 'fine' (stable for 18 months) but every few months I seem to crash out - very symptomatic and need a couple days off work to recover. Is this standard? Am I expecting too much for levo?! Ideally I'd like to not be stopped in my tracks once in a while...

My workplace, while understanding, are starting to ask questions...my doctor's response was to consider well-being activities and accept a couple of days off every now and then as OK.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

If you can post your latest results, with reference ranges, we may be able to help. If you don't have them and are in the UK, then just ask at your surgery reception for a print out, don't accept verbal or hand written results (mistakes can happen), make sure you get a print out.

To get a full picture we need

TSH

FT4

FT3

Thyroid antibodies - TPO and TG

[Hidden in reply to SeasideSusie]

Ok, I’ve had a printout and it seems I was tested for a load of things (I wasn’t made aware). Various liver and renal function tests, full blood count and glycated haemoglobin and reactive protein levels. The only Thyroid test was :

TSH : 2.17 mu/L [0.27 - 4.2]

.... I’m guessing I was just generally test for things that might make me “tired”

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Hidden]

Your TSH is far too high for a treated hypo patient. It should 1 or below with free Ts in the upper part of their ranges. You need those tests outlined above so if your GP won't do them you really should consider a private test as SlowDragon had me turned.

Medichecks Thyroid Check UltraVit or Blue Horizon Thyroid plus Eleven.

Once we've seen those results we can help.

[Hidden in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thank you! I thought this as I remember looking at the screen (not knowing what I’m looking at) and seeing my result for a year ago being 0.5 so thought the change to 2.17 was significant but didn’t know if that’s good or bad... I’ll see what I can do. It was a pretty negative GP experience 2 weeks ago so not sure I’ll get the tests I want.

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Hidden]

You won't get FT3, it's the lab that decides if that is done and unlike to do it if TSH is in range. Antibodies, maybe TPO but TG usually only if an endo requests it. Vitamins and minerals you my be lucky.

[Hidden in reply to SeasideSusie]

It is increasingly looking like I'm best going private for tests then talk to the GP after about the results.

I may just book an appointment to explain what I'm doing and that I'll be coming back.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Plus results and ranges of vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 if these have been tested

[Hidden in reply to SlowDragon]

I’ve requested the full breakdown of my last set of bloods so will let you know!

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Hidden]

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4, TT4, FT3 plus TPO and TG thyroid antibodies. Plus vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12.

Essential to test thyroid antibodies, FT3 and FT4, plus vitamins

Private tests are available. Thousands on here forced to do this as NHS often refuses to test FT3 or antibodies

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. In fact Medichecks has offer on today

All thyroid tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and fasting. on Levothyroxine, don't take in the 24 hours prior to test, delay and take straight after. This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, GP will be unaware)

[Heloise]

We expect too much from our bodies when we take levo. Our normal thyroid hormone contains T4, T3, T2, T1 and calcitonin. To replace all that with levo=T4, our bodies need to make up the rest. How does that happen? Your liver and kidneys. And then T3 receptors must accept T3. health.howstuffworks.com/hu...