I’m new to healthunlocked but have been treated for 7 years pre and postoperativly for toxic goitre, now prescribed 75mcg Levothyroxine and have been stable.
Currently my FSH is elevated and my T3&T4 are on the upper limits and I’m feeling unwell, fatigue and heavy eyelids and episodes of dizziness. My consultant has asked me to take the thyroxine on its own in the morning and take other meds an hour later to counter what may be an absorption issue. I would be grateful to hear about similar experiences and comments.
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THnewhame70pz
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Can you post your results for us to see please, and include the reference ranges (they vary from lab to lab). You've said your FSH is elevated - do you mean TSH - Thyroid Stimulating Hormone - which is what is tested alongside FT4 and FT3.
Thyroxine should always be taken on it's own - on an empty stomach, one hour before or two hours after a meal. It should be taken at least 2 hours away from any other medication or supplements, some need 4 hours. It should be taken with a glass of water only and water only for one hour each side. Anything else and absorption can be affected.
Dizziness can be linked to low B12, fatigue can be a hypothyroid symptom or it can be low ferritin. It would be a good idea to have the following tested as all need to be at optimal levels (not just in range) for thyroid hormone to work properly:
Vit D
B12
Folate
Ferritin
Also, have you ever had thyroid antibodies tested - Thyroid Peroxidase (TPO) and Thyrogloblin (Tg)?
Thank you Seaside Susie, I needed that information and it makes me feel optimistic. It sounds like taking the thyroxin at the same time as my other meds could be the issue so thank you for responding so quickly and with such helpful information. I don’t have my results at the moment but will see my Endocrinologist again in May and will get them aand post them then. I will also ask for the tests you suggested so again many thanks for your help.
You are legally entitled to printed copies of your blood test results and ranges.
The best way to get access to current and historic blood test results is to register for online access to your medical record and blood test results
UK GP practices are supposed to offer everyone 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.
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 you have autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's) diagnosed by raised Thyroid antibodies
Ask GP to test vitamin levels
You may need to get full Thyroid testing privately as NHS refuses to test TG antibodies if TPO antibodies are negative
Recommended on here that all thyroid blood tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and before eating or drinking anything other than water .
Last dose of Levothyroxine 24 hours prior to blood 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)
Hi everyone 10 months on and I’m back with similar symptoms as before:
TSH high and T4 on upper limit.
T4 -=24.7 normal range 10.5 to 24.5.
TSH =5.76 normal range 0.27 to 4.2
After my last post I began to take the Thyroxine on its own and my bloods and symptoms normalised, l felt better. Now I have an almost constant headache my eyelids are heavy ? swollen and I keep feeling like I’m going to faint (really transient only lasting for a microsecond) & I’m really tired . My advanced nurse practitioners increased my thyroxine from 75mcg daily to 100mcg daily 7 days ago which hasn’t helped. My Gp has given me new request forms today for the following blood tests which I’ll do tomorrow. Do I need to take the thyroxine as usual or should I omit it until the blood test had been done?
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