I was diagnosed with an underactive thyroid in 2008. Been on 150 mg levothyroxine for years.
Annual check up of just TSH is 1.9 - for years I've been well below 1.
Could this be why I'm feeling cold/foggy/achey points over body/tired?
I suspect I'll have to go into battle with GP as I've just rung to try and discuss results and been told next phone appt is 8 April, but receptionist can't really see why I'd need one when results are normal.
I've been feeling pretty terrible for a few months and really don't want to wait another 3 weeks and argue why a supressed TSH is okay.
Any advice, please? I've got three kids and a busy job/life so really keen to feel better if possible.
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Annie8ell4
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Just testing TSH is completely inadequate but all nhs offers many times
Do you always get same brand of levothyroxine
Which brand
What vitamin supplements are you currently taking
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
Ask GP to test vitamin levels
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
Just testing TSH isn't enough - you need to know what your actual thyroid hormones are doing, and that means testing free T4 and free T3. If your GP won't you can test these you can do it reasonably cheaply privately. Your rising TSH would indicate that your "frees" are lower than before and this is why you don't feel great.
If your GP is kind, see if they will also test key nutrients - ferritin, folate, vit D and B12 as us hypos are often low and need to supplement. I've had some success with my GP by saying that these are the tests recommended by Thyroid UK.
Always have a fasting, early morning blood test (when TSH is highest) and leave 24 hours from our previous dose of levo.
SlowDragon does a good summary of the private testing available and SeasideSusie gives good tips on how to do a home fingertip test. There are discounts on the main Thyroid UK site. Good luck x
Thanks for replying! I do actually get regular tests with Medichecks - last results in Jan were all normal, but now TSH in March is rising. I suppose I could get them done again.
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Strange TSH results after being on levo for over 20 years.
Sudden Wonky TSH level again after being ok.
TSH 1 or below
TSH has dropped below range
Confused. TSH lower, FT4 higher but FT3 dropped to below range
