Hi,
Please could someone advise. Is there scope to increase my levothyroxine based on these results or are they optimal?
I'm on 100mcg daily.
Feeling very tired, stiff and achey , and constant slow weight gain.
Thanks so much
TSH1.6 mIU/L (0.27 - 4.20 )
FREE THYROXINE 15.5 pmol/L (12.00 - 22.00)
FREE T3 4.17 pmol/L( 3.10 - 6)
Yes, I wouldn't take your fT4 much above 20 as it tends to be counterproductive but there's definitely scope for a dose increase.
You can ask GP for an increase in levo to bring TSH to below 1.
This information may be helpful and unexplained weight gain is the commonest question.
restartmed.com/levothyroxin...
Sometimes adding some T3 (which is no longer prescribed) to T4 can help.
What are your most recent results and ranges for vitamin D, folate, B12 and ferritin?
These are often too low. What supplements do you take?
Do you have Hashimoto's? Autoimmune thyroid disease diagnosed by high thyroid antibodies?
Thanks for your reply slowdragon, no I don't have hashimotos I have no idea what the cause is of my hypothyroidism. I haven't had vit d or b12 tested. my GP did test my iron a few months ago and it was ok, although on the low side. I don't regularly take any supplements as iron upsets my stomach.
Ask GP to test B12, folate and vitamin D
Low ferritin can badly affect ability to use Thyroid hormones. Best to get level retested if it was low before
Eating liver or liver pate once a week should help improve
Better You have recently bought out an iron mouth spray. This presumably helps avoid the common problem of intolerance of iron supplements
Private tests are available. Thousands on here forced to do this as NHS often refuses to test FT3 or antibodies or vitamins
thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...
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)
You can have Hashimoto's and not have raised antibodies. Have you had ultrasound scan of your thyroid?
Hi
Have to agree with Slowdragon you need to get the basics right first
Diet
Absorbtion
Vitamins
Then thyroid and adrenals.
I’m answer to your question yes there is plenty of scope and you convert to t3 which is a plus. 15 is on the low side of normal. I don’t agree with there being a ceiling of 20 on your dose. Six years ago the top end was 28. It was only reduced to save costs.
Go on how you feel and consider using a basal thermometer to check temps- 36.50 is your aim.
If you are lower than this in the average of 4 readings your meds are too low. If the average is more than 0.3 degrees different to any reading then the adrenals are not fully functioning. If you increase a dose you need 8 readings for the first 4 days.
I agree with Shaws some people do feel better with t3 but if you can manage on an increase of thyroxine and feel well it will save you money and a lot of hassle getting the t3/ ndt.
Good luck
Check out drmyhill.co.uk and search under orchestra. V good paper by a top endo on how to obtain great health.
“Search under orchestra” ?
I think it's this article drmyhill.co.uk/wiki/Conduct...
Thank you, I wondered why I couldn’t find it. 🤔
Hi
Yes there is a search bar at the top.
Thanks for the direct link.
An excellent link.
Thanks Howard! Very helpful advice
It seems that you require an increase to raise your T4 and FT3 a little.
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