Results of taking other medication or need to increase thyroxine all week.

[gojo1]

I am confused about my result:

September 2019 -Coded entry Serum TSH level (XaELV) 4 miu/L [0.35 - 3.5] Information about this test

I asked for a review after a doctor checked my levels first doctor said it was fine second on call doctor checked them - resulting in an increase to 200micrograms at weekends and my usual 175micrograms during the week. After two weeks this is the result.

December 2019 -Test result Serum TSH level Report, Satisfactory, No Further Action (Patient Informed)

Coded entry Serum TSH level (XaELV) 4.24 miu/L [0.35 - 3.5] Information about this test

I was prescribed these:

Desogestrel 75microgram tablets - 84 tablet - take one daily

Do you think these tablets could affect result or do you think I need to take 200 every day please. I am confused.

[greygoose]

Does the Desogestrel contain oestrogen? If so, you need to take it four hours away from thyroid hormone.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

gojo1

I was prescribed these:

Desogestrel 75microgram tablets - 84 tablet - take one daily

I know this is a contraceptive pill, is that what is was prescribed for or something else?

Do you take this pill well away from your Levo?

Do you take any other medication, if so do you take it at least 2 hours away from your Levo?

Do you take any supplements? If so do you take them at least 2 hours away from your Levo, and if you take Vit D, Calcium or Iron, do you take those 4 hours away from your Levo?

Do you take your Levo with water, and water only for one hour each side?

Do you take your Levo on an empty stomach, one hour before or two hours after food?

I'm just trying to see if anything is affecting the absorption of your Levo.

If nothing is preventing proper absorption of your Levo then it's difficult to understand why your TSH is higher after a dose icnrease of 25mcg. However, after a dose change we should wait 6-8 weeks for levels to settle before retesting, so really you've had your test too early after your increase.

Just testing TSH is not enough, you also need FT4 and FT3.

Have you ever had thyroid antibodies tested and do you have Hashi's?

What are your current levels of Vit D, B12, Folate and Ferritin?

[gojo1 in reply to SeasideSusie]

Yes I am very careful with levo thanks to this site! Blood tests I do as suggested early morning with not taking it until after. Take vit d mid morning and blood pressure tab after lunch other pill around tea time. So this is why I am confused.

Like you said it may be too soon?

[SilverAvocado]

A TSH of both 4 and 4.24 are both very high, much much too high than it would be when adequately medicated. I'd conclude that you do need a full increase of 25mcg.

The increase you had before, of 50mcg per week was tiny. This works out as 7mcg per day, so it's probably too small to have made any difference to anything. I think the slightly higher TSH result is probably just normal variation.

After your increase best practice is to have a new blood test in six weeks, and adjust again by 25mcg. You will probably need a few increases in this way to get your dose into good shape. Ideally you should have at least freeT4 tested in addition to TSH. Unfortunately you may have a fight on your hands with doctors to get proper treatment.