My doctor only tests TSH, my current test is 4.7,
I’m usually around 1.9 and don’t feel too bad at this, recently I’ve not felt great and asked for a new test. This has changed from last August @1.9 to this week being 4.7.
Any suggestions, I’ve yet to get an appointment to speak to the doctor.
Hi I’m on 125 mg Levothyroxine, had no issues till recently, weight gain, dry skin and joint pain so asked for thyroid test but only got Tsh.
Do you always get same brand levothyroxine Which brand
What vitamin supplements are you currently taking
Anything changed recently that could affect thyroid levels?
Just testing TSH is completely inadequate
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
List of private testing options
thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...
Medichecks Thyroid plus antibodies and vitamins
medichecks.com/products/adv...
Thriva Thyroid plus antibodies and vitamins By DIY fingerpick 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 down to £26.10 if go on thyroid uk for code
thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...
NHS easy postal kit vitamin D test £29 via
my TSH went to 5 from 1.9 and I had raised antibodies and low free t4 and free t3, but my doctor didn't care as the TSH was in range. So as others have said it is important to look at the bigger picture, ask for a full blood test on FT4 FT3 antibodies and associated vitamins b12, folate, ferritin, Vit D,. If GP won't do then consider a test with Thriva or similar, i find them very useful. i will post a spreadsheet I have compiled which shows my free t3 and free t4 against my TSH which has not changed much, you might want to start keeping a similar record it can be very useful long term ( I also track my symptoms on there as it helps me show the doctor I am keeping track of this and how the symptoms change depending on my free levels not just TSH)
Jumping all over the place.
🤷🏻♀️ Sudden jump up in T4
TSH levels all over the place.
