Minimum time lapse before retesting after changed dose

[Mama196]

I’ve previously been advised to wait 6 weeks after dose change to retest and other times 4-6 weeks.

Would ideally want minimum time as it’s related to trying to conceive and don’t want to miss the window of opportunity!

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Ideally we should wait 6-8 weeks after dose increase.

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. Especially if considering TTC soon

Low vitamin levels are extremely common, especially with Hashimoto's

Obviously good folate and B12 very important for a baby's development

Recommended on here that all thyroid blood tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and fasting. This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, best not mentioned to GP or phlebotomist)

Last Levothyroxine dose should be 24 hours prior to test, (taking delayed dose immediately after blood draw).

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

What vitamin supplements do you currently take?

If taking any supplements that contain biotin you should stop these a week before testing as biotin can falsely affect test results

Pregnancy guidelines

See pages 7&8

btf-thyroid.org/images/docu...

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

gp-update.co.uk/files/docs/...

Many people find Levothyroxine brands are not interchangeable.

Once you find a brand that suits you, best to make sure to only get that one at each prescription. Watch out for brand change when dose is increased or at repeat prescription.

Many patients do NOT get on well with Teva brand of Levothyroxine. Though it is the only one for lactose intolerant patients. Teva is the only brand that makes 75mcg tablet.