Thyroid

[Sleepy85]

My TSH was 7.46 and my T4 free 0.90

Can anyone out there put this in an understanding language...

I’m new at this don’t know much about it.

I’m on Levothyroxine 50mcg

Please help..

[Nanaedake]

For us to give you good help you need to get a copy of your blood test results that include the laboratory ranges. Ranges vary from lab to lab and country to country. If you can get hold of full results with lab ranges then post here again and we can help.

Without viewing the lab ranges I can't be sure but judging from what we usually see your TSH looks like it could be above range meaning you need a higher dose of levothyroxine but without the ranges I'm only guessing. We need the proper evidence to make any useful suggestions.

[Sleepy85 in reply to Nanaedake]

Thank you, go to the dr tomorrow. I will let you know... would rather not take meds if I can control by diet..

[Nanaedake in reply to Sleepy85]

If your thyroid is failing you can't sort it out by diet. When thyroid volume and function is reduced you will need to replace the hormones it produces or you will become unwell.

Gluten free helps some people to absorb nutrients from food better and may slow the progression of thyroid disease but it won't replace the hormones you need.

You need to find out whether you've got autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimotos) by getting a blood test done for TPO, Thyroid Peroxidase antibodies and TgAb Thyroglobulin antibodies.

90% of thyroid disease in UK is caused by autoimmune thyroiditis. Low vitamin levels are very common with Hashimotos. Ask GP to check vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 along with TSH, FT4 and FT3.

[Sleepy85 in reply to Nanaedake]

Thank you chat tomorrow.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

How long have you been on 50mcg dose of Levothyroxine?

Bloods should be retested 6-8 weeks after starting. Dose is increased in 25mcg steps (retesting 6-8 weeks later each time) until TSH is around one and FT4 towards top of range and FT3 at least half way in range

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)

Levothyroxine is not "medication" but replacement hormones because your body is not making enough