Help with latest blood test results please

[Lexa22]

Hello lovely people, I've been reading the forum for about a year now and just wanted to thank you all for everything I have learned and for all work you put into helping others.

My last blood test was in May and I increased Levo to 100mg, results are on my profile. I wasn't able to get another test before now. Some days I felt better then other days definitely not. Latest.

TSH 0.31 0.27 - 4.2

Free T3 3.29 3.1 - 6.8

Free Thyroxine 17.4 12 - 22

I read a post with similar results yesterday so shall I increase to 125mg Levo?

I didn't get my vitamins tested this time but have carried on with the same supplements since May, when they we're all ok. I'll do them next time if I increase Levo.

One more thing, The GP I saw back last December (who refused to give me a trial of Levo ) did actually refer me to an Endo. Had the telephone appointment in June and she gave me a trial of 25mg, by that time I was already self medicating 50mg as I was living abroad and could buy ooc. Back in UK now because of covid. Not sure what to do about that now !!

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Lexa22

If those were my results I'd be increasing dose to 125mcg daily. Your FT4 is too low, you might find it better if it's in the upper part of the range, say over 70%, whereas it's currently only 54% through range. Your FT3 is also very low, at a mere 5.14% through range. FT4 and FT3 ideally would be more or less balanced when optimally medicated on Levo, so your conversion of T4 to T3 is poor.

Poor conversion can be due to poor nutrient levels, so I'd definitely test those next time to ensure they're at optimal levels. If they are, and FT3 is still very low compared to FT4 then you might be looking at adding T3 to your Levo.

Your previous post says you are taking B12. Are you also taking a B Complex? This is important and is needed to keep all the B vitamins in balance. When taking a B Complex this needs to be left off for 7 days before any blood test because it contains Biotin and can give false test results when the testing procedure also uses Biotin (which most labs do).

Retest 6-8 weeks after your dose increase and make sure you follow the advice always given here:

* Blood draw no later than 9am. This is because TSH is highest early morning and lowers throughout the day. If looking for a diagnosis of hypothyroidism, an increase in dose of Levo or to avoid a reduction then we need the highest possible TSH

* Nothing to eat or drink except water before the blood draw. This is because eating can lower TSH and coffee can affect TSH.

* Last dose of Levo 24 hours before the test, take that day's dose after the blood draw. This is because if you take your Levo before the blood draw the test will measure the dose just taken and show a false high. If you leave longer than 24 hours the result will show a false low.

* If you take Biotin or a B Complex containing Biotin (B7), leave this off for 7 days before any blood test. This is because if Biotin is used in the testing procedure it can give false results (most labs use biotin).

These are patient to patient tips which we don't discuss with phlebotomists or doctors.

Also, do you take your Levo as advised so that nothing affects it's absorption:

on an empty stomach, one hour before or two hours after food, with a glass of water only, no tea, coffee, milk, etc, and water only for an hour either side, as absorption will be affected. Take any other medication and supplements 2 hours away from Levo, some need 4 hours.

[Lexa22 in reply to SeasideSusie]

Hi Seaside Susie,

Thanks for your reply. I was only taking vit b12 so will get a b complex, reading other posts, I forgot about magnesium as well. I follow all the protocols for the blood tests , biotin caught me out in the beginning, last Dec. Also have my coffee after one hour and the supplements after 4 hours.

So I'll up my dose to 125mg and retest in 6 weeks and post again.

Thank you