Are my results good?

[Jojozo]

Hi everyone, I've got my latest results and just wanted to check if they look okay. I am on 125mg of Levothyroxine and 6mg of Cytomel. I've got ongoing nausea, joint aches, fatigue, sinus issues, etc.

I have Hashmioto's and my latest blood test also show I'm in peri-menopause, with an FSH of 26.8 (3.5-12.5) and oestradiol levels of 49 (45-854). As a result, I've been put on a combined HRT patch, but I'm interested to know if that will have a knock-on effect on my thyroid?

I made sure I had the tests done on an empty stomach, 24 hours after taking my last dose. Many thanks in advance.

Serum free T4 - 20 (12-22) (Three months ago the result = 16.6 (12-22))

Serum free triiodothyronine - 5.2 (3.1-6.8) (Three months ago the result = 5.3 (3.1-6.8))

Serum TSH - 0.01 (.027-4/2) (same as before)

[greygoose]

You left 24 hours between your last dose of T3 and the blood draw? It should only be 8 - 12 hours. So, you've got a false 'low' there.

[Jojozo in reply to greygoose]

Ah-ha. I take it in the morning, and I had the test done the following morning. My TSH has been the same for over six years. I used to be on 12mg of Cytomel, and I have also been on a lower dose of Levo at times (100mg), but it's stayed the same throughout.

[greygoose in reply to Jojozo]

OK, well, the day before a test, it would be better to take your T3 in the evening, 12 hours before the time of the blood draw.

If your TSH has been suppressed for over six years, it probably won't ever rise again. Your axis has been down-graded. And, it's low because you're taking T3. That's what's supposed to happen, so it doesn't really matter.

[Jojozo in reply to greygoose]

Okay great, thank you. I didn't realise about the timings but I'll bear it in mind for next time. So low TSH is a good thing?

[greygoose in reply to Jojozo]

It's better than a high TSH. But really, it's neither here nor there. TSH doesn't do anything much, it doesn't cause symptoms. It's a chemical messenger from the pituitary to tell the Thyroid to make more hormone, and to tell the T4 to convert into T3 (short version). So, if you're already taking T3 it doesn't have a job to do, so the pituitary stops producing it.

[Jojozo in reply to greygoose]

Thanks so much for your help!

[greygoose in reply to Jojozo]

You're welcome.

[Hughes-Comrade in reply to greygoose]

I would hope the prescriber is an ND. IMO they are more tuned into your Thyroid than a regular doctor. That is my personal experience. My MD said my thyroid was fine. The ND could tell without running tests that my thyroid was not working properly. She then ran tests my MD do not to confirm her suspicions.

[greygoose in reply to Hughes-Comrade]

Don't tell me, tell the OP.

[Thissucks37 in reply to greygoose]

This is confusing. I’ve always read on this site that the blood test should be done 24 hours after last dosage. This is the first time I’ve heard 12 hours. ??

[greygoose in reply to Thissucks37]

24 hours for levo; 12 hours for T3.

[Thissucks37 in reply to greygoose]

Ah. Okay good to know. Thanks!

[greygoose in reply to Thissucks37]

You're welcome.

[Hughes-Comrade in reply to Jojozo]

I do believe that the 24 hour period is correct because that is the lowest point between doses. That’s what my wife’s ND has my wife do regarding cytomel testing. Unless you have other special circumstances.