Request for levo dosage for new text result for... - Thyroid UK

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Request for levo dosage for new text result for optimal level

nk655chii profile image
3 Replies

Thanks to everyone who responded to my consistent migraine with 50mcg levo with TSH 6.5. I had thyroidectomy 10 years ago.

After receiving unanimous decision that I was under medicated. In the last 21 days, I self medicated by increasing my levothyroxine to 100mcg . My test result today is TSH - 1.32 ( 0.38 - 5.30), my Free T3 - 4.42 ( 3.6 - 6.0) and my Free T4 - 12.37 ( 7.2 - 16.4).

Pls I need you advise on adequate dosage to keep me at optimal level. I feel better now and my migraine is almost gone. I will also post my vitamins test result as soon as I receive it for advise.

I appreciate you all.

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helvella profile image
helvellaAdministratorThyroid UK

Three weeks is not long enough for the test results to have stabilised.

You appear still to be under-dosed but, possibly, not by a huge amount. FT3 and FT4 are both lower in range than most people find they need. TSH is not particularly important but most people on full replacement levothyroxine-only end up with it below 1, and either near the very bottom of the range, or a bit below.

You might consider your next move to be a small increment to 112.5 or 125 micrograms - but possibly wait until you get the other results before making your decision.

SeasideSusie profile image
SeasideSusieRemembering

I fully agree with helvella . We should leave 6-8 weeks after a change of dose before we retest. Some of us find we need even longer for levels to stabilise. You may not be far off your optimal dose so take it slow so that you don't miss your sweet spot, I wouldn't alter your dose yet, do another test in 3 or 4 weeks first.

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator

Unbelievable that you were left on such an inadequate dose of levothyroxine

Thyroid should be retested 6-8 weeks after any 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

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

For thyroid including antibodies and 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

If you can get GP to test vitamins and antibodies then cheapest option for just TSH, FT4 and FT3 £29 (via NHS private service )

monitormyhealth.org.uk/thyr...

Guidelines on dose by weight is 1.6mcg per kilo of your weight

NICE guidelines

nice.org.uk/guidance/ng145/...

1.3.6

Consider starting levothyroxine at a dosage of 1.6 micrograms per kilogram of body weight per day (rounded to the nearest 25 micrograms) for adults under 65 with primary hypothyroidism and no history of cardiovascular disease.

BMJ clear on dose required

bmj.com/content/368/bmj.m41

Come back with new post once you get 6 weeks results and vitamins too

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