Advice on thyroid results

[melon_one]

Hello! Please could I get some advice on my latest thyroid results?

My GP tested my TSH only in Feb and the results were 7.6 (previously been between 1.1-1.2 for over 4 years) so Endo consultant decided to start me on 50mg Levothyroxine.

I was retested 7weeks later and my thyroid was ‘normal’ so consultant told me to stop Levo. As these results would need 150-200mg of Levo.

April results

TSH is 1.1 (range 0.2-4.2)

FT4 17 (range 11-22)

FT3 5.4 (range 3.1-6.8)

I was still feeling unwell my consultant thought I was under medicated on my adrenals (currently taking 27.5mg hydrocortisone for Addison’s disease).

So 3weeks after stopping Levo I was tested for my Cortisol day curve and retested my thyroid. Had my results this week and my specialist nurse said my Cortisol profile was perfect! Also my thyroid was ‘normal’.

May results

TSH 3.9 (range 0.2-4.2)

FT4 14 (range 11-22)

FT3 4.8 (range 3.1-6.8)

I am concerned that in the 3 weeks since stopping Levo my TSH has started to elevate and T3 and T4 are dropping. My next appointment with my consultant is 13th July. I’m not sure I can/should wait that long as I might be in a worse situation.

Am I correct feeling concerned about my May results? Could I just only need a small amount of Levo? Should I push to see my consultant sooner?

Any advice is greatly appreciated!

[blogsy2]

It seems crazy to stop your levo when your results were okay on that dose. I agree your TSH is probably on the way up again.

I really don't get that decision.

[melon_one in reply to blogsy2]

I agree with you blogsy2! I feel like I’m on a downward slope again. All my symptoms are creeping back in.

I hated being on Levo had awful side affects (headaches, nausea like a bad hangover and skin reactions) but I don’t feel good off Levo (although side affects disappeared)

[blogsy2 in reply to melon_one]

Is it possible to speak to the consultant re the thyroid results? He/she may have a different opinion to the specialist nurse. Given what you've written though, I don't hold a great deal of hope on this!

If you wait three weeks, you'll probably be out of range again if you do a private test and they might start medicating you again. But you're probably going to feel pants for a month.

If you've never got on the with the levo, you might consider buying yourself some NDT instead and see if that suits you better. The disadvantage of course is that you'll have to pay. Thai NDT is not that expensive though, and at least you'll be able to dose to symptoms.

[Ruby1]

I think I’d see how I felt in a couple of weeks and if your symptoms are worse, get back to your GP and let him know. They’ll probably retest and put you back on levo.

I think self medication should be a last resort, particularly as you have other health issues (Addison’s)

[melon_one in reply to Ruby1]

Thank you Ruby1 I think your right. It’s just so frustrating!