Thyroid blood test results. Advice, anyone, please!

[chocoholic17]

Hello,

I had several years feeling better on Nature Throid and although they then denied everyone in this area, continuation on it, I fought the CCG on this but they insisted I go back on Levo. Firstly they prescribed a dosage way too high that made me ill, then, after two months they agreed to reduce it after ridiculously out of range bloodwork. Another two months on and I've just collected my latest blood test results. They appear 'normal', to a doctor, so I fear I have no chance of ever getting meds changed back.

I'd just be interested to know anyone else's thoughts on these actual test results,as I can't deny they are 'in range'.

Thank you.

TSH 3.15 (0.27 - 4.20)

FT4 16.2 (12.0 - 22.0)

FT3 3.2 (3.1 - 6.8)

[SlowDragon Administrator]

How do you feel

Your results suggest under medicated

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).

Is this how you did the test?

Anyone on Levothyroxine generally needs TSH under 2, and frequently under one

The aim of Levothyroxine is to increase the dose slowly in 25mcg steps upwards until TSH is under 2 (many need TSH significantly under one) and most important is that FT4 in top third of range and FT3 at least half way in range

Useful calculator for % through range

chorobytarczycy.eu/kalkulator

FT4 is only 40% through range

FT3 only 2.7% through range

Clearly you are very poor converter and dose is likely not high enough

How much Levothyroxine are you currently taking?

Do you always get same brand of Levothyroxine?

See GP for 25mcg dose increase in Levothyroxine and bloods retested 6-8 weeks later

Do you have Hashimoto's?

You will need vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 tested

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 primary hypothyroidism in Uk is due to Hashimoto's.

[chocoholic17 in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you so much for your helpful reply, SlowDragon. I cannot do fasting blood tests as I'm a diabetic, on insulin and was told they won't do fasting ones for me. However, I did get it done in the morning, then took my thyroid meds AFTER blood test, as you rightly suggested.

I am currently on 75 mcg of Levo, reduced by 25g by doctor two months back, as I felt very unwell being on the higher dose. Not so bad now but just don't feel right.

Yes, I have Hashimoto's. When first diagnosed some years back, my antibodies sat at 368 but recent tests show an incredible drop down to 31. I do know antibody levels can fluctuate but I do wonder if that may be as a result of being on Nature Throid, eating G.F. as advised by a nutritionist and following her supplement and dietary advice. I also have B12 injections as I have genetic detoxification and methylation issues. I take a methyl multi-vitamin.

Just had Vitamin D, Ferritin and Folate checked and all fine.

The nutritionist I saw a while back did suspect I might have converting problems but my doctor wouldn't listen and just said 'let's see what your blood tests say' and now they look 'in range' I already know I can't even argue the point again with the CCG.

I suppose I don't know how converting problems might show in the thyroid bloods I've posted.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to chocoholic17]

They show clearly

% through range should be similar for FT4 and FT3

FT4 is only 40% through range

FT3 only 2.7%

As you are type one diabetic this may affect conversion too

Email Dionne at Thyroid UK for list of recommended thyroid specialists- includes ones who will prescribe T3

What are your actual results and ranges on vitamins?

[chocoholic17 in reply to SlowDragon]

Test results :-

Vit D3 levels are 67.1 N ol/L which is in the 'adequate' bit of the range given

Ferritin 68 ng/mL

Folate 17.6 ug/L No lab ranges given for Ferritin or Folate!!

Calcium 2.26 (2.20 - 2.60)

The nutritionist I used to see, said she knows of a trained nurse who will get other thyroid bloodwork done, privately, that a doctor rarely agrees to, so do you think it's worth getting that done or not? The nutritionist said she is capable of analysing and advising on results and what 'should' be done but it's difficult when your doctor is so blinkered on everyone just needing Levo.

After help in finding one who has good understanding of thyroid issues, I did see a private endocrinologist, at some cost, for a few years and he was the one who asked my doctor to prescribe Nature Throid for me, which he did for a few years but sadly, he died and other doctors seem useless round here.

I gave up on seeing the private endo. as he was several hours drive away and sitting in a car for any length if time is painful for me now.