I was started on 25mg levothyroxibe around 5 weeks ago. I was diagnosed as sub clinical (TSH’s ranging between 4-7) but was started on treatment following positive antibodies and a long history of chronic symptoms.
Had a call from the GP surgery over the weekend to say my results showed folate deficieny so they had written me a prescription for Folic Acid. I asked for copies of my blood work today so I can review them before seeing GP on Thursday. Only comment I know from GP is treating the low folate.
Any advice appreciated! I’m hoping for an increase in Levo (not feeling any difference yet) but I’m wondering if I should be talking to him about my Vit D & B12?
TSH 3.85 (0.27-4.20)
T4 18.7 (12-22)
Vit D Roche cobas (no idea what that means!) 46.9 (>50)
B12 295 (197-771)
Folate 2.8 (3.9-26.8)
Thanks everyone!
Written by
Bubble89
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Low vitamins are common result of being hypothyroid. But you really need further testing for Pernicious Anaemia before starting supplements for B12 and folate
Vitamin D also needs treatment, minimum dose of 1600iu
Do you have Hashimoto's also called autoimmune thyroid disease diagnosed by high thyroid antibodies?
If not had TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested ask GP to do so
The standard starter dose of Levothyroxine is 50mcg unless elderly, frail or heart condition
You should have bloods retested after 6-8 weeks on starter dose
Dose should be increased in 25mcg steps, retesting 6-8 weeks after each increase. Repeat until TSH is around one and FT4 towards top of range and FT3 at least half way in range
For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4, TT4, FT3 plus TPO and TG thyroid antibodies. Plus very important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12
Private tests are available. Thousands on here forced to do this as NHS often refuses to test FT3 or antibodies
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. When 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 are very common too, especially gluten. So it's important to get TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested at least once .
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Advice on Blood Tests + Levo dose
Third blood test for levo
First blood test results after starting Levothyroxine
First blood test since diagnosis (4 weeks ago)
Levo before a blood test
