Can my gp force me to lower my thyroxine dose if I don't function well at a lower dose?

[Permanentlytired]

Thyroid function has come back borderline while I'm on 125 mcg of thyroxine, problem is when I go down to 100 mcg I really don't function well..... will the gp force me to lower the dose?

[Treepie]

You need to post TSH,FT4 and FT3 with ranges to give any idea of your thyroid status.

[whispers]

As already suggested, get your results and post on here, borderline doesn't really mean much do you have hashimotos?

[Permanentlytired in reply to whispers]

Hi, yes I have hashimotos, completely non active thyroid 😕

[MaisieGray]

Your Dr is expected to have regard to what you are telling him about your symptoms, but the bottom line is that if he believed say, that remaining on a dose rather than lowering it would be injurious to your health, he is entitled, obligated even, to prescribe what in his opinion, is safer/more efficacious. So in part, it depends on what case you make to him, if he has it in mind to reduce your dose. I've found that there seems to be a change in attitude more recently - if over the years, I said no thankyou, or otherwise resisted a dose change, it was acceded to; but now they seem more resistant to that, and in the case of T3 especially, aren't having it at all!

[Permanentlytired]

FT4 - 19.1

TSH - 0.16

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Permanentlytired]

Permanentlytired

Can you please add the ranges, as requested. We can't interpret results without ranges. All we know is that TSH will be below range but we have no idea if where your FT4 lies as ranges vary from lab to lab.

[Permanentlytired in reply to SeasideSusie]

Ok, so do I need to ask my gp for the ranges?

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Permanentlytired]

Don't bother with the GP, they can get a bit funny when patients want to know things. Just ask at the reception desk for a print out of your results. Don't accept verbal or hand written ones, sometimes mistakes can be made, ask for a print out and check to see that the reference ranges are there.

I'm guessing that your GP wants to lower your dose because of your below range TSH, but if your FT4 is within range then you're not overmedicated - which can be confirmed by testing FT3 as well, you're only overmedicated if FT3 is over range.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Just testing TSH and FT4 is completely inadequate

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

when were vitamin levels last tested?

What supplements do you take?

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, take last dose 24 hours prior to test, and take next dose straight after test. This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, GP will be unaware)

Is this how you did the last test?

As you have Hashimoto's are you on strictly gluten free diet?