I was first diagnosed in August 2017 with hypothyroidism and have been taking 50mg a day of levothyroxine every morning at 6am and then eating or having a cup of tea an hour later dose has never changed. Seemed to be much better until last month or so am tired all the time no matter how early I go to bed. I did have a bit of insomnia but now I just sleep alot. I do a workout and eat pretty healthy don't smoke and drink occasonally on weekends. Recently picking up more colds and my nails are splitting no matter how much I look after them am making mistakes at work and forgetting things and feeling zoned out. All reminds me of back in 2017. Got my annual blood test result today and all okay. Do I just accept maybe it is a bad few months?
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Aimez_1
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Forgot to say yes I did the test fasted (joke trying to get a blood test appointment early had to drive back from work for test wasting an hour in money and time) at 10 am had taken tablet 6am day before took one when got back to work.
So, your last dose was 28 hours before the blood draw. Which means that your FT4 is possibly a little higher than in the results. And, your TSH would be a little lower than if you had had the blood draw at 8 am. Probably not enough difference to change much, though.
So, why do you still have symptoms? Well, possibly because you are not converting the T4 you are taking (a storage hormone) into the active hormone, T3. But, you won't know that unless you have your FT3 tested. But, you'll probably have to have them done privately, as they difficult to get on the NHS.
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
Recommended on here that all thyroid blood tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and fasting. Last Levothyroxine dose should be 24 hours prior to test, (taking delayed dose 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)
Ask 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 all vitamins
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
Come back with new post once you get results and ranges
Thanks for all the replies. Initially I had lots of blood tests but never had them sent to me so I dont know the results. Initially I went in as was extremely tired but mainly as suffering horrendous night sweats for years (I turn 35 this year) so they thought it was a hormone problem and took me off the contraceptive pill and did loads of tests. I also was not allowed to donte blood at a donation session as had low iron. Was only after all this they said thyroid. Now back on pill and donating blood.
You need all four vitamins tested. Always get actual results and ranges. These need to be at optimal levels on Levothyroxine. Not just bumping along bottom of range
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.
Find out exactly what has been tested and equally important what hasn't been tested
For most people: 50–100 micrograms once daily, preferably taken at least 30 minutes before breakfast, caffeine-containing liquids (such as coffee or tea), or other drugs.
* This should be adjusted in increments of 25–50 micrograms every 3–4 weeks according to response. The usual maintenance dose is 100–200 micrograms once daily.
Thanks for that. We have online acess for appointment booking and some (annoyingly not all) repeat prescriptions mainly to make it easier for people to get through on the phone easier. I assumed they won't have them test results anymore as was 2017. I will send an email asking for them as they emailed yesterday no problems. They never offer to do so though. I was told I have hyperdermeosis (spelling?!) As had been in for excessive under arm sweating. Started a new relationship and was embarrassing explaining why I sleep with a summer duvet and no heating on in winter though!
Our GP practice finally got results online for patients to access this year. Results go back at least 15-20 years online
Best bet is to ring reception and just request print out of historic blood test results. You don't have to explain why you want them. Then pop in a few days later to pick up
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