Recently diagnosed and my latest blood test (TSH only requested by Dr) on 50mcg of Levothyroxine. In the comments it mentions hypopituitarism. I’ve become very anxious with my Hypothyroidism. Is this a usual comment?
Serum TSH level 3.05 mu/L (0.30 - 4.20)
(JDW) - Normal
TFT results indicate adequate replacement
assuming that patient does not have hypopituitarism.
(Provided on current thyroxine dose for at least 2-3 months.)
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Cel_76
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It will be a stock phrase used by the lab, just like the comment "Provided on current thyroxine dose for at least 2-3 months".
With a range of 0.30-4.20 I don't agree that a TSH of 3.05 indicates adequate replacement.
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 if that is where you feel well.
And TSH alone is not the full picture, for that you need FT4 and FT3 tested as well.
Thank you for replying. I feel a mess ... exhausted, over anxious, I’ve put on a stone and can’t shift it, and have aches in my neck and fingers. My Drs think I may be going through the start of the menopause at 42 as my thyroid results in their eyes are normal When I saw Hypopituitism I panicked as I am now over anxious and thought maybe that’s why I feel so exhausted.
For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4, FT3 plus TPO and TG thyroid antibodies and also very important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12
Do you know if you have had thyroid antibodies tested? If not ask GP to test, plus vitamin tests too
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 test. 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 .
You feel like that because you are undermedicated. As SlowDragon says, you need an increase in your dose of Levo until your levels are where they need to be for you to feel well.
I would go ahead with private testing and here are the tests recommended (same test, different company)
Come back with your results, include the reference ranges, and members will comment.
When you have hypopituitarism then TSH isn't relevant so FT3 & FT4 needs to be tested. You could ask your GP to do an am blood cortisol to put your mind at rest.
Actually, if it shows anything It shows that you need a dose increase as TSH should be under 1. If this was your first test and you showed "normal" TSH and low thyroid hormones, it could indicate a pituitary problem (as TSH can't rise), so it's just the lab covering their backs. Really, you need at least free T4 as well as TSH to tell if you are on the correct dose. Ask for a 25mcg increase and the same again in 6 weeks if your symptoms have not gone away.
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