Advice for Hashimotos Disease Ongoing

[JOTHOMPSON13]

Hi All

New post for me although I have had Hashimotos for over 5 years now.

Been on Levothyroxine increased dose 200 mg a day for last couple of years but through my GP only.

Really do not feel the effects of this med working at all and wondering if anyone had some advice of whether to go private as on my last legs re this condition or and other tips?

Recent blood/thyroid test results are that i am taking too much Levothyroxine and to reduce but i really want to explore other options such as T3 ( never had a test for that as NHS they dont do that one). Plus Cortisol and Adrenal tests?

Should i request 2nd opinion or go private as my body tells me this medicine i am taking is doing nothing at all for me?

Many Thanks in advance

Jo

[LottieMW]

Can you post your results and reference ranges please.

[JOTHOMPSON13 in reply to LottieMW]

Hi Lottie

Thanks for your reply.

I will be getting print out request tomorrow from the Docs..

Will update you with the info then

Many Thanks

Jo

[shaws Administrator]

When having blood drawn for thyroid hormones, do you follow this method:-

The earliest possible blood test, (make it weeks ahead) and it should be a fasting test (you can drink water) and allow a gap of 24 hours between your last dose of levothyroxine and the test and take it afterwards? This procedure gives you the best outcome.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

What are your most recent results

Do you always get same brand of levothyroxine

Which brand?

What vitamin supplements are you currently taking

When were vitamin levels last tested

As you have Hashimoto’s are you on strictly gluten free diet

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 tested. EXTREMELY important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and 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)

Is this how you do your tests?

Private tests are available as NHS currently rarely tests Ft3 or thyroid antibodies or all relevant vitamins

List of private testing options

thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...

Medichecks Thyroid plus vitamins including folate (private blood draw required)

medichecks.com/products/thy...

Thriva Thyroid plus antibodies and vitamins By DIY fingerpick test

thriva.co/tests/thyroid-test

Thriva also offer just vitamin testing

Blue Horizon Thyroid Premium Gold includes antibodies, cortisol and vitamins by DIY fingerprick test

bluehorizonbloodtests.co.uk...

If you can get GP to test vitamins and antibodies then cheapest option for just TSH, FT4 and FT3

£29 (via NHS private service ) and 10% off if go on thyroid uk for code

thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...

monitormyhealth.org.uk/thyr...