Over medication thyroxine

[Sunnydevon]

Is it dangerous to be slightly over medicated?

[Laundretta]

Depends! Do you feel overmedicated or is it just in the blood test numbers? Unless your t3 is over range you’re unlikely to actually be over medicated anyway.

Being over-medicated long term would have consequences but would feel rubbish. If you’re talking short term (a few months) while your dose is getting fettled, then I shouldn’t think that would be dangerous at all.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

If GP only testing TSH this is inadequate

Add results and ranges for members to comment on if you have them

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

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 test?

[Sunnydevon in reply to SlowDragon]

I’ve posted my latest results from July. I’d be grateful to hear what you think.😊xx

[MissGrace]

Believe me, you would know if you were over medicated for you as an individual - rather than through the blood tests. And you would want to reduce to do something about it. It’s no fun! Racing heart every time you move, sweating, fast digestion, nausea etc. If you feel well and ‘normal’ for you, you’re not over medicated.

[Sunnydevon]

Thank you everyone.

Serum free T3 level 3.8 (3.1-6.8)

Free T 4 level 22.3 (12- 22)

TSH. 0.02. (0.30-5.00)

Saw Endo and he said to leave a few months and re test. I have dropped from 175 to 125 since Feb. I’ve also lost 2 stones in weight.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Sunnydevon]

This result shows extremely poor conversion. Very low FT3

Low vitamins are often cause of low TSH and poor conversion

You need vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 levels and antibodies tested

Are you still taking omeprazole?

When hypothyroid, it's far more common for acid reflux to be due to low stomach acid, not high acid

Omeprazole lowers vitamin levels too, especially B12 and magnesium

drmyhill.co.uk/wiki/hypochl...

scdlifestyle.com/2012/03/3-...

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

pulsetoday.co.uk/clinical/m...

gov.uk/drug-safety-update/p...

Do you have Hashimoto's? Ever had TPO and TG antibodies tested?

Are you on strictly gluten free diet?

[Sunnydevon in reply to SlowDragon]

I am supplementing with vit D and magnesium and B12. Also B complex. Ferritin was 66 range was up to 150. Will check to see results for antibodies. Thank you. Reflux is due to lax valve . I’m not gluten free. Thank you for your reply! TPO 14.9 0.00-34.00 x

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Sunnydevon]

Was weight loss intentional?

If not, ask for coeliac blood test and then, if negative still trying strictly gluten free diet for 3-6 months

If test is positive you have to stay on gluten rich diet until endoscopy

Have you had TG antibodies tested as well?

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

Recommend full Thyroid and vitamin testing after 6-8 weeks on constant Levothyroxine dose

If FT3 remains low, after vitamins Improved look at getting DIO2 gene test

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

This can help significantly in getting T3 prescribed

[Sunnydevon in reply to SlowDragon]

I haven’t had TG antibodies tested. Could I do it privately? Or would GP do it? Weight loss was partly due to eating healthier but I’ve never been able to lose weight really before so it’s a bit strange Thank you so much for your help. I’ll let you know how I get on.x

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Sunnydevon]

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

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.

Medichecks Thyroid plus ultra vitamin is on offer today at £75 instead of £99

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)

[Sunnydevon in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you again. Do you mean I should see if Graves antibodies are still active and whether I have Hashimotos as well? Did you see results I put for TPO antibodies? 14.9 0.00-34.00 just found May results from medichecks thyroglobulin antibodies <10 0.00-115.00 😊 Thank you for your help.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Sunnydevon]

So you have had TG (thyroglobulin) antibodies tested already and they are negative

As there's nothing on your profile, I didn't know you had Graves previously

TSH after Graves is even more unreliable. It often stays low regardless of FT4 or FT3

As you have had Graves, many others on here with Graves find gluten free is often helpful

amymyersmd.com/2017/02/3-im...

chriskresser.com/the-gluten...

scdlifestyle.com/2014/08/th...

thyroidpharmacist.com/artic...

[Sunnydevon in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you for taking the time to reply. I really appreciate it. Hope you are well 😊