Posted this on previous post but not sure anyone can see it
Latest set of results. Vitamins have improved. Thyroid a concern . I was sent these results with no follow up and phoned to ask to speak to someone. They are now suggesting Monday, Wednesday and Friday 125mg and other days 100mg. My level was dropped in February from 125mg to 100mg. I have very unwell since my thyroxine medication was reduced and have also discovered I have Hashimotos from a thyroid scan. Severe joint pain and strange clicking in my head.
I only had a thyroid scan because I saw a private Endocrinologist. I have struggling for any guidane from my GP.
You need an increase in your dose as the aim is a TSH of 1 or lower. Your FT4 is also too low so I assume your FT3 will also be low.
You have hashimoto's - due to you having antibodies in your blood. Going gluten-free can help reduce the antibodies.
Your Free T4 is also low so I'd expect your Free T3 to also be low.
You need an increase in levothyroxine. I am not medically qualified but I think if a person needs an increase, why not give sufficient so that you can take the same daily dose. There's no need for them to be cautious, because if we take too much we will realise that quickly and reduce the dose ourselves as we would probably have palpitations if 'too much' is taken.
The quicker we realise that the medical professionals are woefully under-trained re anything to do with a dysfunctional thyroid gland the better. We can then look after our own health but ask the surgery to give you this blood test.
The aim is a TSH of 1 or lower. Both Free T3 and Free T4 should be in the upper part of the ranges.
Sometimes I think that a person has to look after 'themselves' as the medical professionals seem woefully inept regarding anything to do with a dysfunctional thyroid gland.
No-one could diagnose me - despite going back and forth to hospital and doctors with symptoms.
You have the commonest form of hypothyroidism, and that's because you have antibodies and they attack (wax and wane) the thyroid gland until you are hypothyroid. Going gluten-free can help reduce the antibodies.
Phone surgery and ask for an increase in levothyroxine as your TSH is high and you want a TSH of 1 (I doubt they are aware of this).
You might already be aware of the following regarding blood testing for thyroid hormones.
Always make the earliest appointment for the blood draw - it is a fasting test and you should not take thyroid hormones before it but afterwards.
Ask for B12, Vit D, iron, ferritin and folate to be checked at next test. Always get a print-out of your results with the ranges for your own records and post if you have a query.
Thank you. I am keeping a close track of my vitamins and have improved them significantly. I am also gluten free following my appointment with Endocrinologist.
They were supposed to test T3 and I have no idea why they didn’t.
Thyroid scan showed benign nodules and I am returning for another scan in two months. If I was waiting on GP to arrange scan then I’d still be waiting.
Thank you. I’m pleasantly surprised at how quickly the improvements happened!
I take accord brand and have make sure it is same brand. I now need to add 25mg but not sure accord do that amount.
I have lost weight from gluten free diet. Vitamins and diet initially made me feel so much better but joint issues are still very bad. Back, neck and head. Not sure if it is inflammation?
Great, I will order 50mg and cut in half. GP told me I could mix brands. I didn’t even bother to argue.
I take better you vitamin d spray with k2. I will. I have 4 sprays so will reduce to 2 per day.
I am not supplementing magnesium. Tablets from Holland and and Barratt are huge. I struggled to swallow them when I had throat issues (clicking when swallowing). Thyroid scan identified nodules. I need to find a smaller tablet although swallowing issue has gone.
My back is painful, neck clicks and my head seems to click. It is not a nice sensation at all.
Yes many magnesium tablets are huge. I can’t swallow anything large
I currently use Igennus magnesium capsules. Capsule too big for me to swallow so I tip the powder out. (I do same with my selenium capsule I take once week)
Other magnesium options
Calm vitality magnesium powder, dissolves in water as a short drink. Cheap and easy to use, good if you suffer constipation. Best to start on low dose, too much can cause diarrhoea
ReMag magnesium liquid, doesn’t affect Gut at all, but it’s expensive and an acquired taste
I don't think you'll start to feel better til your t4 and T3 are higher in range (and your tsh will go down to 1 or lower). Go for a decent and consistent dose increase.
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