Thyroid test results

[Pastelart]

Have been on 25 micrograms Levothyroxine for two months and would appreciate comments/advice on latest test results! Thanks in advance.

[fuchsia-pink]

Well you're on a teeny-tiny starter dose (50 mcg is more usual) and TSH is still a long way over-range, suggesting an increase up to 50 mcg would be expected. Your free T4 is only 36% through range but free T3 is better at nearly 60% through range. Have you tested key nutrients - ferritin, folate, vit D and B12? - always worth doing, as we hypos often need to supplement and need these to be good to feel properly well

How do you feel? I'm guessing not great with such a high TSH - so I'd be inclined to ask for a dose increase until TSH is less than 2, nutrients are good and you feel tip-top.

[shaws Administrator]

Usually, we get prescribed 50mcg of levothyroxine initially, unless we're frail and also have a heart disease.

The aim is a TSH of 1 or lower and both Free T4 and Free T3 should be towards the uppert part of the ranges. Your FT3 is reasonable

Do your follow this is the method for blood tests:-

Always make your appointment weeks ahead to get the earliest possible blood draw or test. It is also a fasting test and don't take thyroid hormones until after the blood draw.

The aim is to bring TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) towards 1 or below with Free T4 and Free T3 in the upper part of the ranges. Unfortunatley the frees are not always tested.

Request B12, Vit D, iron, ferritin and folate to also be tested at the next blood test.

Always get a print-out for your own records and post if your have a query.

[Pastelart in reply to shaws]

I’m not frail and have a very healthy heart! Im digging on my allotment as we speak. The lack of knowledge in certain quarters beggars belief. Unfortunately, we have to suffer the consequences. Thanks for your advice

[Pastelart in reply to shaws]

Thank you shaws. Last time I checked all vitamins and minerals were ok. The doctor thinks that it’s perfectly fine for a woman to have a ferritin of 15. Not that mine is so low, but I would love to know how she would feel if hers went that low 😜