Please help me understand my blood test. I’m taking 25mcg livothyroxin. Age 44,but now doctor told me to stop taking thyroxin and she will do re test my blood after 6 weeks. kindly help me understand my results I’m attaching picture of my blood test with this report .
Please help me understand my blood tests. - Thyroid UK
Please help me understand my blood tests.
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Bhattinsami
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SlowDragonAdministrator
How much levothyroxine are you currently taking
Do you normally split the T3 into 2 or 3 smaller doses through the day?
How do you feel
TSH is almost always suppressed on almost any dose of T3
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 at least annually
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)
When on T3, day before test, split dose into three smaller doses roughly equal 8 hour intervals. Taking last dose T3 at roughly 8-12 hours before test
So that’s last 1/4 of 25mcg tablet approx 8-12 hours before test
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
If TPO or TG thyroid antibodies are high this is usually due to Hashimoto’s (commonly known in UK as autoimmune thyroid disease).
About 90% of all primary hypothyroidism in Uk is due to Hashimoto’s. Low vitamin levels are particularly common with Hashimoto’s. Gluten intolerance is often a hidden issue to.
Link about thyroid blood tests
thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...
Link about Hashimoto’s
thyroiduk.org/hypothyroid-b...
List of hypothyroid symptoms
thyroiduk.org/if-you-are-un...
I was currently taking 25mcg livothyroxin but after these blood test my gp told me to stop taking it completely and she will re do my blood test in 6 weeks .. but I’m confused about these results ? Is it that am I showing hyper thyroid? Thanks for help
You mean 25mcg levothyroxine?
Or 25mcg liothyronine? Plus levothyroxine
I read it as 25mcg liothyronine (T3)
I think you meant 25mcg levothyroxine
Request thyroid antibodies tested for autoimmune thyroid disease also called Hashimoto’s
Early stage Hashimoto’s often swings from under to over to begin with
Important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12
yes i mean i was taking Levothyroxine 25mcg , since last month when dr stopped me from taking it anymore and said to me that we will repeat the blood tests in 6 weeks.
Ok
Request they test thyroid antibodies for autoimmune thyroid disease plus vitamins at next test
Thanks i will do. Have a good day
here is my updated blood test report ..with ferritin folate ..kindly help me understand.
report
High thyroid antibodies confirms autoimmune thyroid disease also called Hashimoto’s or Ord’s thyroiditis
Hashimoto’s frequently starts with transient hyperthyroid results and symptoms before becoming increasingly hypothyroid
Approx how old are you?
Vitamins are frequently low with Hashimoto’s too
Vitamin D is insufficient
GP should prescribe 1600iu vitamin D everyday for 6 months
NHS Guidelines on dose vitamin D required
ouh.nhs.uk/osteoporosis/use...
GP will often only prescribe to bring vitamin D levels to 50nmol.
Some areas will prescribe to bring levels to 75nmol or even 80nmol
leedsformulary.nhs.uk/docs/...
GP should advise on self supplementing if over 50nmol, but under 75nmol (but they rarely do)
mm.wirral.nhs.uk/document_u...
But with Hashimoto’s, improving to around 80nmol or 100nmol by self supplementing may be better
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/218...
vitamindsociety.org/pdf/Vit...
Once you Improve level, very likely you will need on going maintenance dose to keep it there.
Test twice yearly via NHS
Vitamin D mouth spray by Better You is very effective as it avoids poor gut function. There’s a version made that also contains vitamin K2 Mk7
amazon.co.uk/BetterYou-Dlux...
It’s trial and error what dose we need, with hashimoto’s we frequently need higher dose than average
Calculator for working out dose you may need to bring level to 40ng/ml = 100nmol
grassrootshealth.net/projec...
Government recommends everyone supplement October to April
gov.uk/government/news/phe-...
Ferritin is on low side, but probably not low enough for GP to do further testing
Are you vegetarian or vegan?
Look at increasing iron rich foods in diet
Eating iron rich foods like liver or liver pate once a week plus other red meat, pumpkin seeds and dark chocolate, plus daily orange juice or other vitamin C rich drink can help improve iron absorption
List of iron rich foods
Links about iron and ferritin
irondisorders.org/too-littl...
davidg170.sg-host.com/wp-co...
Great in-depth article on low ferritin
oatext.com/iron-deficiency-...
drhedberg.com/ferritin-hypo...
This is interesting because I have noticed that many patients with Hashimoto’s disease and hypothyroidism, start to feel worse when their ferritin drops below 80 and usually there is hair loss when it drops below 50.
Thyroid disease is as much about optimising vitamins as thyroid hormones
healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...
restartmed.com/hypothyroidi...
Post discussing just how long it can take to raise low ferritin
healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...
Never supplement iron without doing full iron panel test for anaemia first
Posts discussing why important to do full iron panel test
healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...
healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...
Hi thanks for your input. I’m 43 years old . I was taking levothyroxine since 2016 . But since last month my google has told me to stop taking it as she says I’m now hyperthyroid .regarding the latest blood test she says that she will consult with endocrinologist . For now she has Prescribed me vitamin d 0.625mg to be taken once a week for six weeks .
As you said in the transient period it gets hyper and then will become hypo again .. how long this transient period last normally ? As I’m feeling very lethargic during the day . Sometimes my blood pressure gets really low like 84/55 .
You said my ferritin is low . What should be the ideal reading in my age .
Also every month I’m having heavy bleeding in my periods which makes me more tired and anaemic.
I’m worried what should be my next step ۔
You will need to retest thyroid levels regularly….
Every person is different how long a temporary hyperthyroid type phase lasts
Have you had Covid or had vaccination recently?
Yes I have had my first COVID vaccine in March and then the second one in June .. and I think my symptoms worsened after that
During this hyperthyroid period do I need to stop taking levothyroxin?
Possibly…..only by testing will you know
Always test as early as possible in morning before eating or drinking anything other than water and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test
Remember to stop taking any supplements that contain biotin a week before ALL BLOOD TESTS
Does ferrous gluconate contains biotin? As I’m taking them . Also do you know if hashi flares happen due to COVID vaccine ??
Biotin is in most vitamin B complex
Or as a separate supplement for nails and hair
Not in ferrous supplements
Hashimoto’s can flare up any time, no idea if vaccination might affect it
High thyroid antibodies confirms autoimmune thyroid disease also called Hashimoto’s or Ord’s thyroiditis
Hashimoto’s frequently starts with transient hyperthyroid results and symptoms before becoming increasingly hypothyroid
Approx how old are you?
Vitamins are frequently low with Hashimoto’s too
Vitamin D is insufficient
GP should prescribe 1600iu vitamin D everyday for 6 months
NHS Guidelines on dose vitamin D required
ouh.nhs.uk/osteoporosis/use...
GP will often only prescribe to bring vitamin D levels to 50nmol.
Some areas will prescribe to bring levels to 75nmol or even 80nmol
leedsformulary.nhs.uk/docs/...
GP should advise on self supplementing if over 50nmol, but under 75nmol (but they rarely do)
mm.wirral.nhs.uk/document_u...
But with Hashimoto’s, improving to around 80nmol or 100nmol by self supplementing may be better
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/218...
vitamindsociety.org/pdf/Vit...
Once you Improve level, very likely you will need on going maintenance dose to keep it there.
Test twice yearly via NHS
Vitamin D mouth spray by Better You is very effective as it avoids poor gut function. There’s a version made that also contains vitamin K2 Mk7
amazon.co.uk/BetterYou-Dlux...
It’s trial and error what dose we need, with hashimoto’s we frequently need higher dose than average
Calculator for working out dose you may need to bring level to 40ng/ml = 100nmol
grassrootshealth.net/projec...
Government recommends everyone supplement October to April
gov.uk/government/news/phe-...
Ferritin is on low side, but probably not low enough for GP to do further testing
Are you vegetarian or vegan?
Look at increasing iron rich foods in diet
Eating iron rich foods like liver or liver pate once a week plus other red meat, pumpkin seeds and dark chocolate, plus daily orange juice or other vitamin C rich drink can help improve iron absorption
List of iron rich foods
Links about iron and ferritin
irondisorders.org/too-littl...
davidg170.sg-host.com/wp-co...
Great in-depth article on low ferritin
oatext.com/iron-deficiency-...
drhedberg.com/ferritin-hypo...
This is interesting because I have noticed that many patients with Hashimoto’s disease and hypothyroidism, start to feel worse when their ferritin drops below 80 and usually there is hair loss when it drops below 50.
Thyroid disease is as much about optimising vitamins as thyroid hormones
healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...
restartmed.com/hypothyroidi...
Post discussing just how long it can take to raise low ferritin
healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...
Never supplement iron without doing full iron panel test for anaemia first
Posts discussing why important to do full iron panel test
Bhattinsami,
Welcome to our forum.
Your doctor has taken you off your meds which were a low dose because your thyroid hormones are over-range & TSH being under range is inline.
Why were you put on Levothyroxine ?
Have you had thyroid antibodies tested?
Do you have further or previous test results to share?
How are feeling?
hi, i was put on 25mcg Levothyroxine in 2016..then in 2018 doctor put me on 50mcg. and then in 2020 she said to lowere it down again to 25mcg. i have not got my previous tests as they are all with my GP. i dont know if i ever were tested for thyroid antibodies ..im feeling fine ..sometimes get tried in the late afternoon.
My Gp also did my full blood count and after that she suggested me to take ferrous glauconate 300mg .
Reports
Ferritin levels need test at end of ferrous glauconite prescription
Ferritin is storage form of iron
My Gp also did my full blood count and after that she suggested me to take ferrous glauconate 300mg .
How many ferrous gluconate 300mg tablets were you taking per day and how long did you take it for?
You were quite severely iron deficient with so many things under range.
FInd a new doctor.
25mg is nothing, its a starter dose and you work up to around 100mg.
In my long experience20+ years Doctors know nothing about Thyroid issues so please do not get down hearted continue on the 25mg and have the bloood test in 6 weeks time then request an appointment to go and see your local Endocrinologist to discuss. Its the only way go to talk to a consultant who knows what they are talking about.
Thanks will do
The dose is 25 micrograms (mcg) - not 25 milligrams (mg).
Yes that’s correct 25mcg
Hi Bhattinsami, I just wanted to explain to you what your doctor is thinking.
When you are hypothyroid, the thyroid is producing fewer thyroid hormones (mostly T4 and T3, in your blood results the T3 is indicated as Triiodothyronine). Then (some of) the T4 is also converted into T3, both in the thyroid and in other parts of the body. When the thyroid is sluggish and not producing enough T4 and T3, the body produces more Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH in your blood results) to prod the thyroid to produce more. So typically in a person suffering from hypothyroidism the TSH is elevated, although by how much is something that doctors disagree strongly about.
The medication you are taking is a synthetic version of the T4 hormone that your thyroid is producing. Because your TSH is low and your T4 is at the top of the range, your doctor doesn't think you should continue taking even more T4: you already have plenty!
The other data in the blood results is the T3, which is over the top of the range. The note below says that this is strange: even assuming that you are taking extra T4 you don't need, this normally wouldn't result in the body producing so much T3 hormone. So whoever took your blood tests is worried you have some form of hyperthyroidism where you are producing too much T3, and the fact that you are taking T4 is a red herring.
As someone mentioned, it *is* possible that this blood test is an anomaly, and that you are normally hypothyroid. But if your blood values remain more or less constant over time, then they do not indicate hypothyroidism. I would recommend you ask for your past blood tests.
It's also possible that you had hypothyroidism that wasn't autoimmune and went away, for example as a result of an infection or pregnancy.
Here are my updated blood results . Kindly advise what do these results tell .. am I now hyperthyroid ?
report
Hi Bhattinsami, I'm sorry I don't really know! As SlowDragon also remarked, your antibodies are raised which suggests there may be an autoimmune issue, but I am not knowledgeable enough to say more. Best wishes!
Thanks for your input . My gp has referred me to the endocrinologist . Now I’m waiting for the appointment . Will keep you updated
Really thankful for your input . I will have another blood test later on this month and then will share it here .
Here are my update results ..how to interpret these as compare to my previous ones .. they not showing my T3 in this .. kindly help me understand thanks
Report
Hello there Bhattinsami :
You haven't received any replies to your last question as you didn't ask anybody specifically about these new results.
Any new question needs a new post on this rolling screen and then you get full answers.
The volume of questions being asked means that people are answered as fully as possible within say, the first 24 hours, and then if you don't actually notify someone to continue this dialogue with you, they are not notified that there is new information tacked onto an answered and considered " old " post.
As for this last blood test, your TSH is still low and your T4 has almost dropped back down into range which, if you stopped the T4, is a logical progression.
However there is no T3 reading which is the most important reading of all :
Previously your T3 it was a little over range and in theory as T4 drops, so does T3 - however it is your level of T3 that gives you your symptoms and too low a level of T3 for you will likely cause you to be more fatigued and with a slower metabolism than you may require.
If you wish to reply to someone specifically you need to actually press the " Reply " icon alongside their reply to you. otherwise they are not notified you have answered them.
hi there thanks for your kind reply . here is my latest blood report kindly check thanks
report
You need to start a new post with new results -
There is no point putting it on the bottom of this post.
Start a new post with these new blood tests which is totally separate from this original question.
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