My TSH level gone up from 1.1 at my last test to 2.8 and my T3 is 12.
I am currently on 75mg of levothyroxine which has now been increased to 100mg as of yesterday.
I am experiencing terrible muscle pain, fatigue, trouble sleeping, dry skin and brittle hair and I'm also battling depression.
Is there anything else I should be taking or doing to alleviate these symptoms?
My GP is lovely but as I'm all too aware she is not an expert in this field and therefore referred to my levels as normal even when my TSH has been up at about 8!
Thank you x
Written by
CarolineWade
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Can you please add the reference ranges for your results.
Was that FT3 that was tested? Did you not have FT4 tested?
What thyroid meds are you taking and when was the last dose before the test?
Was your test done no later than 9am after an overnight fast, drinking water only before the test? And the same for the previous test? (You can only compare results accurately when test is done under the exact same conditions each time).
Have you had Vit D, B12, Folate and Ferritin tested?
Without the reference ranges we can't interpret your test results because ranges vary from lab to lab.
Ask the receptionist at your surgery for a print out of your results, it is our legal right in the UK to have them without question or charge, then come back and post all the information that you have.
I think you mean your FT4 is 12. Can you add the ranges on that result
You are legally entitled to printed copies of your blood test results and ranges.
Best way is to register for online access to your medical record. Take official ID in and register
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.
Get hold off tests and come back with new post. Members can advise on what vitamin supplements you may need
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
Do you have Hashimoto's?
Ask GP to test vitamin levels and thyroid antibodies if not been tested
Thyroid levels will need retesting 6-8 weeks after dose increase
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)
Is this how you do your tests?
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
Levothyroxine should always be taken on empty stomach and then nothing apart from water for at least an hour after
Many people take Levothyroxine soon after waking, but it may be more convenient and more effective taken at bedtime
All medication at least two hours away from Levo. Some like HRT, PPI's, magnesium, iron or vitamin D, at least four hours away
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.
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
NHS guidelines on Levothyroxine including that most patients eventually need somewhere between 100mcg and 200mcg Levothyroxine.
Also what foods to avoid (eg recommended to avoid calcium rich foods at least four hours from taking Levo)
All four vitamins need to be regularly tested and frequently need supplementing to maintain optimal levels. It's extremely rare for any GP to have any knowledge of the significance of vitamin levels with hypothyroidism. We need vitamins optimal.....not at bottom of range
Hello Caroline, I am sorry you are having these symptoms. I went up from 75mg to 100mg of T4 and didnt notice any changes except wait gain. In my case I know I need T3 to make any difference. Sorry I cant be much use this time. Keith
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TSH below low reference level
TSH level
TSH Level shot up? 
Tsh Level 
Increased Levo = Increased TSH?? 
