Hi, i have an under active thyroid, and although blood tests show levothyroxine is the correct dose I am getting bruises on my legs and arms when it is cold, and have started to get pins and needle type feeling in my right arm, which also feels heavy and flexibility in my right hand is less than in my left hand.
Any ideas? Thanks
Rather than rely on the results of blood tests, it should be how you 'feel' on a particular dose. Doctors forget that thyroid hormones run our whole metabolism or may even be unaware that they do.
Blood tests only show the point of where your hormones are in your blood but don't indicate how the patient 'feels' on that dose.
The aim is a TSH of 1 or lower with FT4 and FT3 in the upper part of the ranges.
We feel well and symptom-free when dose is correct. Also all vitamins/minerals have also to be optimum.
"blood tests show levothyroxine is the correct dose".
For most results they actually don't! "Correct" is when they are merely inside the official range. Even if you feel terrible they tell you that you are fine because your tests are. It is the reference ranges that are wrong, especially of TSH. What were your last test results? I still felt rather unwell when my TSH was down to just under 3.
Not sure what the bruises mean, but pins and needles could indicate you are low on Vitamin B12. Whatever the cause (iron levels?) they need sorting out asap, especially the bruising. It is probably nothing to worry about, but no doctor should ignore or refuse to investigate Do a search here on vitamins and minerals, and please post any recent blood tests with reference ranges (in brackets after the result, such as TSH 3.9 (0.27-4.2).
Someone can then advise you better. The problem is that being hypothyroid can deplete all sorts of nutrients in your body, especially iron, ferritin, vit B, and a couple of others. Have you had a full blood test recently? What were the results?
As the NHS website advises, if you suddenly get lots of bruises or start to bruise for no obvious reason, you should see your GP - unusual bruising may be a symptom of an underlying illness, such as a problem with the way your blood clots. But if only to rule things out, best to get it checked out.
Pins and needles, heavy arm, loss of flexibility… Sounds very much like low B12. Have you had that tested?
Who said you're on the right dose of levo? Your doctor? He wouldn't know. He's probably just saying that your TSH is 'in-range', which means very little. You need to know your exact levels and the ranges - is he even doing all the right tests? If you still have hypo symptoms, then you're obviously not on the right dose, no matter what your blood tests say. It's how you feel that counts much more than numbers on a blood test. 
First thing is, do you have any actual blood test results? if not will need to get hold of copies. You are legally entitled to printed copies of your blood test results and ranges.
UK GP practices are supposed to offer online access for blood test results. Ring and ask if this is available and apply to do so if possible, if it is you may need "enhanced access" to see blood results.
In reality many GP surgeries do not have blood test results online yet
Alternatively ring receptionist and request printed copies of results. Allow couple of days and then go and pick up.
Your blood tests might be "within range" , but often need fine tuning
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
Low B12 - often causes pins and needles
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 if not been done
Private tests are available. Thousands on here forced to do this as NHS often refuses to test FT3 or antibodies or all 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
If antibodies are high this is Hashimoto's, (also known by medics here in UK more commonly as autoimmune thyroid disease).
About 90% of all hypothyroidism in Uk is due to Hashimoto's.
Low vitamins are especially common with Hashimoto's. Food intolerances are very common too, especially gluten.
So it's important to get TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested at least once .
Link about thyroid blood tests
thyroiduk.org/tuk/testing/t...
Link about antibodies and Hashimoto's
thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...
thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...
List of hypothyroid symptoms
thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...
Come back with new post once you have test results and ranges
Hi, thanks all. I had a full blood count done a few months ago which was all fine. TSh is 1.14 at present and I take 175 levithyroxine
Sami, more information is needed. Your symptoms are not fine whatever your doctor says. Was your vitamin B12 tested? What about the T4 and T3, folate, D3 and ferritin?
A TSH of over one could still be causing symptoms, especially if the other levels are low, which they are very likely to be with hypothyroidism as your gut won't be able to work properly to absorb enough nutrients
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