Thyroid blood test, not sure what they mean

[suemc2]

Hi, if anyone could advise me I would greatly appreciative.

I started to see a natural Dr to keep on top of hormones, i am 52 and in peri menopause and was feeling very tired and down, and putting on weight. I had extensive bloods done, and my thyroid test came back out of range,TSH 6.38, free T4 11.3 T3 normal, thyroid antibody 373, and TPA 207, the thyroid anti bodies are extremely high, not sure how out of range the TSH and T4 are, i.e. whats considered ok, should i see an endocrinologist?

[Mary-intussuception]

Yes, I would.

The raised Antibodies usually means that you have Hashimoto's Autoimmune Thyroiditis. This has caused Hypothyroidism. I would ask to have Adrenals checked, following which you would be started on Levothyroxine (if Adrenals are ok).

I was started on the 50mcg dose of Levothyroxine and increased after retesting.

You should be retested after several weeks and given a dose increase, usually 25mcg increments at a time until you are stable & Euthyroid.

Ask for blood tests to check the following nutrients levels also, because you may have deficiencies and need prescribed supplements :

Vitamin D, Calcium; B12 & Folate; & Ferritin.

[Mary-intussuception in reply to Mary-intussuception]

2nd reply

ps

What a Beautiful cat

(I tried to edit but it wouldn't respond!)

[suemc2 in reply to Mary-intussuception]

Hi Mary

Thank you for your reply. Did you feel better after taking medication? I'm reluctant to take prescription medication, is there anything naturally I can do?

[Mary-intussuception in reply to suemc2]

Sorry Sue, I've only just seen this reply.

Yes, I was desperate for the medication (started Sept 2011). I'd had all sorts of health problems whilst left undiagnosed and untreated for many years. Still left with some long-term conditions.

You need Levothyroxine, for life.

I only found out about asking for the nutrients levels blood test from this site last year, so was only diagnodised with Folate deficiency and Vitamin D insufficiency eleven months ago. I do try to eat a healthy diet. But there is no cure for Hashimoto's, it's the Hypothyroidism that it causes which is treated with the replacement synthetic hormone LT4.