Advice required.

[DisneyLoverJ]

Hi there,

I've just received my latest thyroid test results from the doctors and I would appreciate some advice.

For context, I will also add my November results from when I was on 50mcg levothyroxine. I'm now on 75mcg and it's been about 8 weeks.

I am feeling a bit better but still having a mix of good days and bad days. I'm reasonably run down at the moment due to stress relating to uni exams, but any advice on the thyroid results would be appreciated to understand if the dosage is potentially correct now.

Bloods were taken in an empty stomach, early in the morning and levo taken after.

Thanks in advance.

Edit: as I can't add more than one photo.

November results were:

Serum free T3 - normal. 4.4 pmol/L (3.1-6.8)

Thyroid function test

Serum TSH level 7.07miu/L (0.27-4.20)

Serum free T4 level 17.8 pmol/L (12.0-22.0)

[Nanaedake]

I think it's likely that you're going to need a levothyroxine dose increase but you could retest in 6 weeks time. At the moment your FT4 is near the top of the range but a lot of people feel better when TSH is nearer to 1. You really need to get your FT3 level tested because if it's low that will give you a better idea of whether you need a dose increase.

NHS is unlikely to test FT3 but you could ask and you need TSH, FT3 and FT4 testing together for accurate information.

You also need TPO antibodies and TgAb antibodies testing if not already done. This is to confirm or rule out autoimmune cause of Thyroid disease which will help you to understand how to manage your condition. Read Thyroid UK's website for more information on Hashimotos thyroiditis.

If you can't get these tested by GP you may have to send for an online lab test which is a fingerprick blood draw. You can find reliable labs listed on Thyroid UK's website. Many on this forum use the labs listed.

Ask your GP to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 as if these are low then thyroid hormone will not be well utilised by your cells and may not be absorbed effectively either.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 plus both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested. Also extremely important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12

Low vitamin levels are extremely common, especially if Thyroid antibodies are raised

Your TSH is still too high.....BUT FT4 is near top of range

This often happens with low vitamin levels and/or with high thyroid antibodies

Recommended on here that all thyroid blood tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and fasting. Do not take Levothyroxine dose in the 24 hours prior to test, delay and take immediately after blood draw. This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, best not mentioned to GP or phlebotomist)

Is this how you do your tests?

Ask your GP to test vitamins and thyroid antibodies

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 special offers, Medichecks usually have offers on Thursdays, Blue Horizon its more random