Hypothyroidism Low TSH

[Seesee18]

I am 38 years old and was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism over 10 years ago. Was on 150mcg of Levothyroxine a day. Got my blood test results back today and my TSH has dropped to 0.29 from over 1 last August. Doctor advised I take 125mcg/150mcg on alternative days. I feel dreadful, tired all the time, constipated and gaining weight even on a strict calorie controlled diet for the past few years. I'm absolutely desperate for any advice. Thanks x

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Seesee18

Just testing TSH is not giving a full picture of your thyroid status. Were any other tests done? If it then consider doing the full thyroid panel with one of our recommended labs, you need to know where your FT4 and FT3 levels lie within their range, the FT3 being most important as low T3 causes symptoms and makes weight loss difficult.

Whilst you're at it, I'd do the full thyroid/vitamin bundle as low nutrient levels or deficiencies bring their own symptoms.

thyroiduk.org/help-and-supp...

Blue Horizon and Medichecks are the most popular for the thyroid/vitamin bundle.

Post results, including reference ranges, for members to comment.

[Seesee18 in reply to SeasideSusie]

I have used Medichecks before but I don't know what to do with the info I receive i.e. if there is a problem with my T3 where can I get it? I hear it is unlikely doctors in the UK will prescribe it?

[Kandahar in reply to Seesee18]

Put your full results on here. People are brilliant here and so helpful.

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Seesee18]

Seesee18

Post your results, including the reference ranges, on the forum members will interpret them for you. If there is any suggestion that you may need T3 then we will go through that with you. It can be prescribed on the NHS but it's not always easy, it requires a trial to be initiated by an endo first, but let's see your results rather than jump the gun.

[Lalatoot]

We need calories to convert T4 to T3. If the calorie intake is too low then ft3 can be compromised. This can in turn make hypo symptoms worse.

[jimh111]

A low calorie diet can lower TSH reducing hormone levels, this is how the body protects against starvation.

[fiftyone]

I take 175mcgs of levothyroxine daily and feel very well. However, my TSH is 0.005 If my levo is reduced even slightly I start to feel ill. My T3 is normal, highish. The TSH tells me there's loads of thyroxine hormone in my blood but clearly it doesn't say what my body is doing with it and whether I need it.

[littlecandle]

My TSH is suppressed. It always has been. My GP and the useless endo have fits about it every time. However, if it is not suppressed, I feel completely dreadful, with no energy, poor memory etc. I still feel constantly tired and when I have been able to communicate with my doctor, they refuse to test T3 and T4, or if they agree, the lab refuses. I don't have the money for private testing. I'm afraid you have to stick to your guns and educate your GP as much as you can.

[Kandahar]

As far as I’ve read on here, TSH under 1 is good. I can tell you where to source levo and liothyronine at a good price, but you need more advice from the experts on here first.

[Gnomic]

I also had low TSH when I had my annual check done so i didn’t follow up with a GP appointment because I was worried he’d reduce my meds. A couple of years ago I went to a nutritionist and through that I had a full set of bloods done privately with Thriva and she then advised other supplements . Although it does cost me every month I know on the few occasions when I’ve stopped taking them I start feeling extremely tired again. It might be worth you visiting a nutritionist with hypothyroidism expertise

[Seesee18]

Gnomic My GP did reduce my levo after getting my results! I'm actually booked into see a nutritionist on Thurs so fingers crossed. SeasideSusie I ordered a Medichecks test as advised. Thanks x