TSH 26, now 10. Ft4 18.9..

[Michaela_l]

Hi, I'm just wondering if anyone else has had elevated TSH (22, 26) that suddenly just dropped (10), but was still high, all within a couple of weeks of each other.. My ft4 is normal, and always has been. I'm going for a short synacthen test of Wednesday. I'm just worried now it's my pituarty or adrenals :S

Ps. Thank you for all the support.

[greygoose]

Were all the tests done at the same time of day? Have you had your antibodies tested? I don't think that either your pituitary or your adrenals would cause TSH to drop in that way. But, Hashi's could. What are you taking for your thyroid? How long have you been taking it?

What do you call a 'normal' FT4? In doctor-speak, it just means in-range, but the important thing is where in the range it falls. Have you had your FT3 tested? Absolutely no conclusions can be drawn without seeing that.

[Michaela_l in reply to greygoose]

Hey, nope not same day. Latest was last Thursday. My ft4 is 18.9, wasn't able to get ft3 because I was speaking to the receptionist...they weren't gonna put me on anything, but went on 25mcg levothyroxin last Thursday.. reluctant because of heart palpitations prior to starting. Thanks

[greygoose in reply to Michaela_l]

No, I didn't ask if they were done on the same day. I asked if they were done at the same time of day. Both at 10 am? Or 5 pm? Or what?

They are so stupid! Your heart needs thyroid hormones, they don't cause palpitations. So, the dose they've put you on is too low. A normal starter dose is 50 mcg. Did they tell you when to go back for a retest? It should be in six weeks' time. When you go back, make your appointment for as early in the morning as possible, and fast over-night. Leave a gap of 24 hours between your last dose of levo and the test.

[Michaela_l in reply to greygoose]

Sorry, I read that quickly before calling the hospital. No, the last one was taken in the afternoon, whereas the others were taken in the morning..I know different times of day affects the test, but didn't think it would show that much of a drop. One Dr said start me on 50mcg, then the endocrinology consultant said 25mcg. Another said none at all...I think they were worried as my ft 4 levels were kinda high and increasing it even more may make my heart messing around even more. My ft4 levels are always normal, around 18,19. I'm told my ft3 levels are normal, but never been able to get the figure. I'm just waiting for my t3/4 levels to drop so I can just go on a higher dose and feel better

[greygoose in reply to Michaela_l]

Normal just means in-range, that's all. Your FT4 I can't comment on, because you don't give the range. But, even if your FT4 is good, it doesn't mean your FT3 is.

But, T4 isn't going to mess with your heart. It's a storage hormone, practically inert. But, the thing is with that low dose, it's low enough to impact your thyroid's hormone production, without being enough to replace it. Doctors never think about that, but it could make you feel worse rather than better, I'm afraid.

[Michaela_l in reply to greygoose]

Oh, my ft4 has been 19, now 18.9. I always struggle to get ft3 as I get results from the receptionist and it's difficult to get any. I've not seen the endocrinology consultant yet in person; he's waiting for the short synacthen test results to see me..I just want to get back to work.

Thanks again

[greygoose in reply to Michaela_l]

You should remind the receptionist that it is your legal right to have a print-out of all your results, under the 1998 Data Protection Act. I'm sure she doesn't want to break the law, does she?

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Have you had vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 tested? These can affect thyroid or cause symptoms in their own right

Also need thyroid antibodies testing

Ask GP to do these asap

25mcg is only half the standard starter dose of 50mcg and can make you feel worse. It's enough to turn your own thyroid down but not enough to replace missing hormones

Thyroud levels need retesting 6-8 weeks after each dose increase

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4, TT4, FT3 plus TPO and TG thyroid antibodies.

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.

All thyroid tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and fasting.

If 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)

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. Low vitamins are especially common with Hashimoto's. Food intolerances too, especially gluten. So it's important to get tested.

[Michaela_l in reply to SlowDragon]

Yep, high amount of antibodies, everything else ok..apart from now on iron tablets, even though it was only just a little bit low.

It's just my TSH that's messing about.

I think I'm just getting frustrated as I've had three drs saying different things.. I can't do anything, I feel awful some days and I'm just fed up.

I appreciate everyone replying to all my concerns. Thank you