My latest test as of 12 Feb only done TSH and T4. TSH: 0.20 mu/L, serum free T4: 19.1 pool/L
Currently on 150mg gone up from 125mg in September 2019.
I have been on thyroxine for 3 years. No major symptoms but now have horrible bloated belly. Asked for referral to endo to get properly checked if on right done GP wrote referral saying I am managed okay and not sure why would I need to see him. Obviously Axa said no they would not accept the referral. What do my results say, I know it’s not full picture but is that indication I am over medicated?
Thank you 😇
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Janaains
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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
When were vitamin levels last tested?
What vitamin supplements are you currently taking?
Ask GP to test vitamin levels (and thyroid antibodies if not been tested)
You may need to get full Thyroid testing privately as NHS refuses to test TG antibodies if TPO antibodies are negative
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
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
Strictly gluten free diet frequently helps with gut bloating
Make sure to get blood test done as early as possible in morning before eating or drinking anything other than water and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test
Are you taking any vitamin supplements?
If taking any supplements that have biotin in (eg vitamin B complex) remember to stop thus a week before any blood tests as biotin can falsely affect test results
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.
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