Thyroid results and low ferritin can anyone translate xx

[RedThaiLover]

I can anyone translate my thyroid results please xx

Tsh 8.40

Free t4 11.2

Also I have low ferritin 9.6

Thank you these were taken from s private blood test Thriva.com due to covid hard to get to the drs.

[greygoose]

We do need the ranges to be able to interpret those results, I'm afraid. But, your TSH is very high. Are you taking any thyroid hormone replacement?

Are those all the results you have? No FT3 or antibodies?

[RedThaiLover in reply to greygoose]

Hi there thanks for coming back xx I am on 250mg a day....that's all the company provide me with...do you think tsh being high means 250mg should cover it?

[greygoose in reply to RedThaiLover]

There must be ranges with those results. They are usually in brackets after the result. No private test company would ever just send you results without ranges. Can you put a photo on your post?

So, you have a TSH of over 8 when taking 250 mcg a day, is that correct? How do you take your levo? Do you take it on an empty stomach, leaving at least an hour before eating or drinking anything other than water, and at least two hours before taking any other medication or supplements? You don't seem to be absorbing your levo very well.

[greygoose in reply to greygoose]

Just seen the link @SeasideSusie has provided. There are ranges on that photo. Your FT4 is below range. But, unfortunately, there's no FT3. So, I stress my question, how do you take your levo?

[RedThaiLover in reply to greygoose]

I take my levo through my mouth? Or am I being thick xx sorry

[greygoose in reply to RedThaiLover]

Ummm… yes. Not quite what I meant. I meant, do you take it on an empty stomach, and leave at least one hour before eating or drinking anything other than water, and at least two hours away from any other medication or supplements?

[RedThaiLover in reply to greygoose]

Ahh sorry x would help if I read properly rather than scan read x so in the morning with my tea....and then breakfast about 10 mins later

[RedThaiLover in reply to RedThaiLover]

I have not been taking it very well at all...I think I should put it by my bed so the minute I wake up I take it

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to RedThaiLover]

Levothyroxine is an extremely fussy hormone and should always be taken on an empty stomach and then nothing apart from water for at least an hour after

Many people take Levothyroxine soon after waking, but it may be more convenient and perhaps more effective taken at bedtime

verywellhealth.com/best-tim...

markvanderpump.co.uk/blog/p...

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. Teva contains mannitol as a filler, which seems to be possible cause of problems. Teva is the only brand that makes 75mcg tablet. So if avoiding Teva for 75mcg dose ask for 25mcg to add to 50mcg or just extra 50mcg tablets to cut in half

Teva and Aristo are the only lactose free tablets

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

Teva poll

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

No other medication or supplements at same as Levothyroxine, leave at least 2 hour gap.

Some like iron, calcium, magnesium, HRT, omeprazole or vitamin D should be four hours away

(Time gap doesn't apply to Vitamin D mouth spray)

The aim of Levothyroxine is to increase the dose slowly in 25mcg steps upwards until TSH is under 2 (many patients need TSH significantly under one) and most important is that FT4 is in top third of range and FT3 at least half way through range

NHS guidelines on Levothyroxine including that most patients eventually need somewhere between 100mcg and 200mcg Levothyroxine.

nhs.uk/medicines/levothyrox...

Also note what foods to avoid (eg recommended to avoid calcium rich foods at least four hours from taking Levo)

All four vitamins need to be regularly tested and frequently need supplementing to maintain optimal levels

[greygoose in reply to RedThaiLover]

That does sound like a better idea.

[greygoose in reply to RedThaiLover]

OK! So, you won't have been absorbing much hormone, then! Levo should be taken with a large glass of water and nothing else for at least an hour. Caffeine and milk will block absorption. Breakfast one hour after levo.

[RedThaiLover in reply to greygoose]

Wow x you've been so helpful

[greygoose in reply to RedThaiLover]

It's just a pity that doctors don't understand these things enough to advise their patients. But, they haven't got a clue!

So, if you're going to start taking your levo correctly, you might want to lower your dose a bit, or you could go very over-medicated. If you start taking it properly tomorrow, just take 150 mcg, and see how it goes. No need to bother your doctor with your change in dose until you know more about how it's going to affect you. But, try taking 150 for six weeks, then try and get a retest, see what happens, ok?

[RedThaiLover in reply to greygoose]

Thank you I will do that starting from tomorrow xx keep you posted 🙂

[greygoose in reply to RedThaiLover]

You're welcome. Good luck!

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Please add all results and ranges (figures in brackets after each result)

TSH

Ft4

Ft3

TPO antibodies

TG antibodies

Vitamin D

Folate

Ferritin

B12

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)

Was this test from BEFORE starting any medication

Do you mean you were prescribed 25mcg levothyroxine?

[RedThaiLover in reply to SlowDragon]

No I am on 250 a day a 50 tablet and 2x100 tablets x

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to RedThaiLover]

You mean you were started at that dose just now after this test result?

Standard starter dose of levothyroxine is 50mcg

The aim of Levothyroxine is to increase the dose slowly in 25mcg steps upwards until TSH is under 2 (many patients need TSH significantly under one) and most important is that FT4 is in top third of range and FT3 at least half way through range

NHS guidelines on Levothyroxine including that most patients eventually need somewhere between 100mcg and 200mcg Levothyroxine.

nhs.uk/medicines/levothyrox...

[RedThaiLover in reply to SlowDragon]

Also....the company i did the blood test with dont give anything else sadly

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Results on this thread:

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

[SlowDragon Administrator]

A weekly pill dispenser is invaluable too so you never ever forget daily dose