What are optimal thyroid levels?

[kaju20]

Hi, as with many with thyroid problems it feels like we keep hitting a brick wall as goes for finding help. I have had private and blood tests on the NHS to confirm I have Peroxidase antibodies so therefore Hashimoto's. I've had suggested that it may actually be the pituitary that may be the actual issue but as yet not found anyone willing to do the relevant tests. I saw a private doctor in immunology and he said its irrelevant, to not worry about finding out as it's about controlling autoimmune disorders. Is that right? No point worrying if its pituitary related?

I'm very symptomatic, for the past year especially, clumps of hair falling out, dry, slow healing skin, itchy legs, napping every afternoon, headaches and migraines, menstruation lasting 2 weeks, high cholesterol even though I'm on a low fat diet, cyst on my thyroid measuring 3.7cm etc etc... I'm 34 so maybe doctors think I'm over reacting I dont know. Because I cant seem to get help. So I'm trying to educate myself.

I've gone on a strict antiallegen diet. Taking all the recommended supplements that thyroid issues are deficient in. Tried to eliminate stress as best as possible. Reading up on Dr Isabella Wentz... it's all helped to some degree that I have less allergic reactions and keeps my skin more or less under control but all the other symptoms have remained pretty much the same. So as I understand from this foram that all the supplements of the best quality still cant be substituted for the the right thyroid medication.

I'm nervous I'll be put on the wrong medication IF eventually I win this battle, as so far gps have even suggested I have hyperthyroidism based on my low tsh, they didnt even read the antibodies I have present (peroxidase). So I'm trying to self educate.

What are the magic numbers? As I understand low tsh isnt the worst thing, low t3 makes you symptomatic? And even if T3 and t4 are within range, if they're miles out of range with each other you wont feel good. So does anyone know what we're aiming for please? I just want to be cluded up and monitor just incase unfortunately I need to... I dont want to be chasing down an endless rabbit hole!

As a friend told me, knowledge is power!

[Nanaedake]

Can you post your actual blood test results along with the lab ranges please? That way people can offer specific help and advice. Also, say whether you've been diagnosed and whether you are taking any medication. If taking supplements, what and how much?

[fuchsia-pink]

You want the results that are right for YOU.

As you say, once you are on thyroid meds, TSH becomes pretty irrelevant - it's much more useful to know what your actual thyroid hormones are doing - and "in range" isn't enough, you are aiming for "optimal". You also need to test key nutrients - ferritin, folate, vit D and B12 - and supplement them if needed.

SO for example if the lab range for free T4 is 12 - 22 [lab ranges vary from lab to lab so we always need to see your specific lab ranges[ - if your result is 12.5 you will prob feel dreadful but if it's 19.5 you will likely feel much better - but both are "in range".

Having said all that, many of us hypos on medication are happiest if

* TSH is in the lower part of the lab range (or below it)

* free T4 and free T3 are in the top quartile (or higher)

* key nutrients are a good half-way through and vit D is in 3 figures x

[kaju20 in reply to fuchsia-pink]

That's brilliant thankyou so much for simplifying... brain can get quite mushy!

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to kaju20]

Essential to regularly retest vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12

These MUST be optimal for thyroid hormones to work well

When were they last tested

Test at least annually

[Baileybo00]

I have a cyst on my pituitary and if you have a problem affecting yours your tsh will be a completely false reading, so just ignore it. If they suspect there's a problem with your pituitary then push for an MRI head scan. If you have a cyst there and it grows too big it can effect your eyes. Most hypothyroid sufferers are best when their t4is right at the top of the range.

[kaju20 in reply to Baileybo00]

Hi, thanks ever so much for your reply! In 2017 I think it was, they were trying to find out why I was having migraines so they did do a MRI. I found out only last year that they did find a cyst on my pituitary but they never told me because it was so small it would cause no problems. I've had that at the back of my mind that maybe it has grown as the cyst on my thyroid has grown significantly. Also ultrasounds have found other cysts in other places. It's just trying to convince someone to give me another scan when I'm still trying to get them to recognise I have a thyroid problem. My eyes have been affected but the optician said it is just dry eye and that i have fat deposits on the eye ball because my ducts are blocked. I will try suggest that they check the cyst but I'm not very hopeful theyll do anything unfortunately. But that is a useful piece of information thanks! How does that alter the treatment you get for your thyroid? Does it make a difference if its central hypothyroidism, is that what it's called?

Thankyou so much!