CONFUSED

[Friend49]

I dont understand what the numbers mean. Almost a year ago my doctor said i was Hypo and put me on levo 26 mgs. I dont know if i m not taking enough or even need it i got joint pain tired hair wont grow gained a few pounds. Heres what my numbers were from beginning til now. Hope i put them on here right Tsh 8.87 mIU/L 0.46-4.68 FreeT4 0.74 ng/dl 0.78-2.19 now its tsh 0.46-4.68ulu/ML 1.810 T4free 0.78-2.19NG/DL 0.93 i just dont understand it and whats T3 ? Thanks!

[Andyb1205]

Your free T4 has gone from below the range to still in the very bottom part of the range at 10% hence persisting hypo symptoms. It should be brought up to top half to top quarter of the range, so there is still much room for improvement. You should work with the doctor to increase the levo and retest in 4-6 weeks, bring the TSH down to around 1 or lower.

Everyone is different, despite your improved TSH your Free T4 is still very low.

[Friend49 in reply to Andyb1205]

So my levo should be upped to 50? I dont see my doctor for 3 months i dont have too much faith in her thanks

[Andyb1205 in reply to Friend49]

Yes you are very under medicated. I would also suggest getting your B12, Vitamin D, and Iron tested. They are often low in hypothyroid patients.

After being on 50mcg Levo get retested in 6 weeks and be sure to have the Free T3 run as well to see if the T4 is properly converting. Most patients can convert fine, some require additional T3 but this will be seen better as you increase your levo.

Should also get tested for thyroid antibodies, TPOab and TGab to confirm Hashimotos diagnosis.

[Friend49 in reply to Andyb1205]

Thanks this has me worried its nice to get on here and get advice!! Im taking vitamin B12 shots every month. Il make a sooner app.

[Andyb1205 in reply to Friend49]

You may face resistance so be clear about your symptoms, still low Free T4 and that there’s room to bring the TSH lower and improve quality of life. Doctors are taught that the thyroid is easy to treat like any other abnormal labs, to bring it “in range” which leaves a large portion of patients under or untreated. The thyroid affects so much of the body, mental and physical health, that even the slightest alterations from a personal’s individual and unique optimal levels negatively impacts them.

This forum has been very helpful for me and many others, definitely keep us updated. Best of luck!

[Andyb1205]

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[Treepie]

T4 mostly converts in the body to T3 which is the active hormone that cells need but GPs rarely test it which is why so many here have private tests.

I suggest that you look at Thyroid UK website to get an understanding of thyroid tests and treatment.