Thyroid newcomer

[Quester]

After being told for 8 years I was ‘borderline’ for hypothyroidism, around 6 months ago my doctor started me on Levothyroxine: 50mcg then 75mcg.

Haven’t really noticed much difference and am very tired and have quite a bit of brain fog.

Someone told me there are other treatments and also asked me if I have antibodies (I don’t know).

I’m going to see an Endocrinologist for the first time in a few weeks.

Any suggestions what I should ask/tell him?

Many thanks!

[SlowDragon Administrator]

For full thyroid test you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 plus BOTH TPO and TG Thyroid antibodies

Also essential to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12

Ask GP to test vitamins and antibodies

How long since dose increased to 75mcg?

Blood should be retested 6-8 weeks after each dose increase

All thyroid tests should be done as early as possible in morning and fasting and last dose of levothyroxine approx 24 hours prior to test

Do you always get same brand of levothyroxine?

Many people react badly to Teva brand

Come back with new post once you get results and ranges on these tests

[Quester in reply to SlowDragon]

Thanks so much for your response. This is a huge amount of information that I certainly haven’t had from my GP!

I didn’t even know about not taking the tabs before going for blood test.

I shall ensure to ask for all this info at next blood test.

Thanks 😊

[Marz]

Do you have any results with ranges you could post - so members have an insight into what is going on. You are legally entitled to your own results ...

These are the Tests you need - TSH - FT4 - FT3 and Anti-bodies TPO & Tg. These are rarely done by the NHS so people do them privately through Thyroid UK - see link below and click onto About Testing in the Menu ...

thyroiduk.org

You would be better off doing the tests privately - report back here in a new post - and you will read more helpful information from the Forum. Most Endos are specialists in Diabetes - so research with care

You will also need test results for B12 - Folate - Ferritin - VitD

[Quester in reply to Marz]

Thanks for your response - I havent even seen my GP since going on the tablets - only the nurse for blood tests. And then when I ask for results I’m told ‘normal’ or an increase in tabs from a receptionist who says she doesn’t understand the figures!

I’m certainly going to be better informed next time.

Thanks again 😊

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Quester]

Quester

from a receptionist who says she doesn’t understand the figures!

That's not a problem, we do understand them

Pop along to the surgery's reception desk and ask for a print out of your test results. Don't accept anything verbal, or hand written, it has to be a print out. We are legally entitled to our test results and they cannot charge for them. Don't ask a doctor, they don't like us knowing and understanding things, bruises their egos! If receptionist wants to know why you want them, you don't have to give a reason but you could say either "For my own records" or "Because I'm legally entitled to them".

Post the results, with reference ranges, on here and we will interpret them for you.

They should look something like

TSH: 2.5 (0.2-4.2)

FT4: 15 (12-22)

[Quester in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thanks that’s brilliant! 😘