I would be really grateful for some advice about my latest results. Reference ranges for all the tests have been Free T4 9-22.7 and TSH 0.35-5.5. I have taken the three recent blood tests first thing in the morning, before taking medication and fasting.
In June last year the possibility of hypothyroidism was picked up in a blood test which showed that my TSH was 7.92 (0.35-5.5), Free T4 12.9 (9-22.7).
My GP started me on 25 mcg of Levothyroxine when my antibodies result came back as 1375 in August showing I have Hashimoto's, although the blood results in August actually came back as 'normal no action' (Free T4 was 11.3 and TSH was 4.77).
In November 2018 my results were Free T4 13.8 and TSH 6.09. My GP raised the dose to 50mcg and the latest results are:
Free T4 13.6 (9-22.7)
TSH 4.98 (0.35-5.5)
'Normal no action'
Does this mean that 50 mcg is not doing very much to help at all? I managed to persuade the GP to let me have an antibodies test done again but do not have the results yet. I also now have to speak to a new GP about the medication because my long-standing GP has just left the practice and she understood that my results might not be 'normal for me'. I can't say that I have noticed feeling markedly better on 50 over the past three months, although I might be marginally less tired than I was.
Just wondering if the GP is likely to keep me on 50 mcg or suggest raising it or even perhaps suggest no medication? It would be great to know whether I should be pressing to stay on the medication if she suggests that I don't need it.
Many thanks for your help.
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Jed65
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my antibodies result came back as 1375 in August showing I have Hashimoto's
I managed to persuade the GP to let me have an antibodies test done again but do not have the results yet
There's no point in retesting antibodies. You've had a positive result, confirming Hashi's, that's it, you don't need to test antibodies any more, it wont change the fact that you have Hashi's. Antibodies fluctuate all the time, every antibody test may give a different result, but it doesn't change the fact that you have Hashi's.
latest results are:
Free T4 13.6 (9-22.7)
TSH 4.98 (0.35-5.5)
'Normal no action'
What you need is an increase in Levo. The aim of a treated hypo patient generally is for TSH to be 1 or lower with FT4 and FT3 in the upper part of their ranges if that is where you feel well. So ask for an increase of 25mcg now, retest in 6 weeks, repeat until levels are where they need to be for you to feel well.
As for the Hashi's, you can possibly help reduce the antibodies by adopting a strict gluten free diet which has helped many members here. Gluten contains gliadin (a protein) which is thought to trigger autoimmune attacks so eliminating gluten can help reduce these attacks. You don't need to be gluten sensitive or have Coeliac disease for a gluten free diet to help.
Supplementing with selenium l-selenomethionine 200mcg daily can also help reduce the antibodies, as can keeping TSH suppressed.
Most doctors dismiss antibodies as being of no importance and know little or nothing about Hashi's and how it affects the patient, test results and symptoms. You need to read, learn, understand and help yourself where Hashi's is concerned.
Hashi's and gut absorption problems tend to go hand in hand and can very often result in low nutrient levels or deficiencies.
Important to test
Vit D
B12
Folate
Ferritin
optimal levels are important. If you do have any deficiencies or low levels, investigating for gut problems would need to be done.
Thank you very much for all this very helpful information. I see now that I will probably need to ask to go up to 75mcg and that is very useful to know. I have read quite a lot about Hashi's (definitely a family thing in my case) and understand that a gluten free diet might help - I wanted to see whether the antibodies were fluctuating because of stress (I felt highly stressed when I had the test done last August) and whether it really could make a difference taking supplements.
I went to see a fantastic alternative practitioner (kinesiologist and homeopath) who advised me that I had enough Selenium in my body and didn't need it (I had been supplementing) but I have been taking Vitamin D and was also recommended to try the essential oil Myrtle.
I think I am still a bit confused about what constitutes subclinical hypothyroidism and actual hypothyroidism but if I am being treated, then presumably it does not make much difference and the correct dose of Levo should help.
I really don't think antibodies fluctuate because of stress - nor that supplements affect them. And, even if you managed to get your antibodies down to zero, you would still have Hashi's, because the antibodies aren't the disease. They are the result of the disease.
TPO and Tg antibodies do not attack the thyroid. They come along after the attack to clean up the traces of TPO and Tg that have leaked into the blood during the attack. Like other antibodies would come along and mop up the viruses if you had a cold. But, it's even possible to have Hashi's without ever having raised levels of antibodies, so not much point in trying to eradicate them.
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