When did you take your levothyroxine?

[helvella]

Just had a blood draw for thyroid (probably TSH only - don't know yet) at my GP surgery.

The nurse actually asked me if I had taken my levothyroxine this morning - and, when I said I take mine at night, asked exactly when. That was recorded on the blood test form she had to fill in.

Has the concept of dosing affecting blood test results actually started to penetrate?

I was absolutely floored as never before have I been asked.

[Adam10]

I have never been asked by anyone. I don’t think Endos or nurses consider it. I follow advice on this forum to miss my nighttime Levo dose before having a blood test first thing the following morning usually about 8am.

I worry about diagnosis of taking too high a dose which could lead to Endo saying I should reduce my dose, which in the past I have followed. Under-dosing has caused me more problems (fatigue etc) than overdosing.

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to Adam10]

I think that is the usual experience and practice.

I always think about the fact that we could all reduce our dose at the drop of a hat (even it it needs pill splitting), but, if we haven't got the tablets, we simply can't increase. Therefore always best to be prescribed over rather than under or even just right.

[shaws Administrator]

I will bet that the doctor or someone close to him has a dysfunctional thyroid gland or he/she has been reading this forum.

[jgelliss in reply to shaws]

Shaws that would be great. That would mean we are getting through somewhat . Finally .

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to jgelliss]

It seemed to be standard, at least for the practice, even possibly the lab - not just the individual nurse.

But I'll probably find I'm wrong if ever I find out.

[jgelliss in reply to helvella]

I feel like you . In my thyroid journey over the years I learned to be somewhat suspicious . I wonder how much they have our best interest at heart ? I'm afraid not much .

[TSH110]

I have been asked once not sure if it was noted down - long tine since I took it as a stand alone.

[jgelliss]

helvella that is very interesting . What do you think is the reason for asking ?

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to jgelliss]

I do suspect the lab might use it for interpretation.

Mind, most likely to avoid cascading to FT4 (and even FT3) if, in their opinion, not needed.

[jgelliss in reply to helvella]

I agree with you .

[silverfox7]

Sounds promising! My doctor told me she knows nothing about the thyroid but has a friend who does but she told be off for taking vitamins etc and to stop. Next time she asked I said I had! But she is learning-she has since asked me what do I need testing! Plus she probably knows I wouldn’t have stopped!!! I told her though I appreciated her telling me she hadn’t a clue and I applaud her points of learning!