Results explained please

[Spobby]

Hi

I am newly diagnosed and have TSH 39 and free T4 8.

I've started on 25 mg of medication. I guess 39 has got to come down considerably but what about T4 8.

Thank you.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Spobby

The aim of a treated hypo patient generally is for TSH to be 1 or below or wherever it needs to be for FT4 and FT3 to be in the upper part of their respective reference ranges when on Levo.

You have a long way to go with your TSH but as you haven't given reference ranges for your results we don't know how low your FT4 is. Reference ranges vary from lab to lab, if it was the lab that does my GP tests you would just scrape into the bottom of the range as it's 7-17, but we also see 9-19, 12-22 and others.

25mcg is a very low starter dose and unless you are a child, elderly or have a heart condition then you could have been started on 50mcg.

The protocol is to be retested 6 weeks after starting Levo, increase dose by 25mcg, repeat testing every 6 weeks with 25mcg dose increase until your levels are where they need to be for you to feel well.

When booking thyroid tests, always book the very first appointment of the morning and fast overnight (water allowed) . This gives the highest possible TSH which is needed when looking for a diagnosis, an increase in dose or to avoid a reduction. TSH is highest early morning and lowers throughout the day. It also lowers after eating. Also, take your Levo after the blood draw because if you take it before then your FT4 will reflect this and show higher than what is normally circulating. We usually advise 24 hours between last dose of Levo and blood draw so if you take your Levo in the mornng then delay until after the test, or if you take it at night then delay that dose until after the test.These are a patient to patient tips which we don't discuss with doctors or phlebotomists.

Take your Levo on an empty stomach, one hour before or two hours after food, with a glass of water only, and water only one hour each side, otherwise absorption can be affected. Take any other medication and supplements 2 hours away from Levo (some need 4 hours) as they will affect it's absorption.

Come back with any questions, members are always happy to help. If you want future tests interpreted, please include the reference ranges. You can get a print out of your results from your GP surgery, just ask at reception. It is our legal right in the UK to have this information.

[Spobby in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thank you very much for this info. Yes long qt has been mentioned on recent ECG's so I guess that's why I'm on a low dose, although I don't need heart medication at moment. I've been off work months but guess things can only improve now.

[silverfox7 in reply to Spobby]

Just make sure your doctors sticks to the protocol, some don't. Also look on the Thyroid Uk site as lots of info-they run this forum. There's a lot to take in so pace yourself with what you are happy with and shout out if anything you don't understand.

[Spobby in reply to silverfox7]

Thank you yes, there is a lot to take in, but things can only get better especially now I know what's been wrong with me for some time!

[silverfox7]

Don't try to start it all at once but gradually add ideas in.