Thyroid tests

[Dshadzz07]

Hi all. I’m getting my blood tests done tomorrow to check on my thyroid and vitamin levels. Since it’s been 12 weeks at 50mg levo. I will post the results here once I receive them. I just wondered what are the ideal results I need for them to be with hypothyroidism. Like my TSH… etc. Thank you in advance

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

I just wondered what are the ideal results I need for them to be with hypothyroidism. Like my TSH… etc.

They need to be where they need to be for you as an individual, we are all different.

Generally, though, most people on Levo tend to feel best when TSH is 1 or below with FT4 and FT3 in the upper part of their reference ranges.

Remember to follow the general advice given for thyroid testing:

* Blood draw no later than 9am. This is because TSH is highest early morning and lowers throughout the day. If looking for a diagnosis of hypothyroidism, an increase in dose of Levo or to avoid a reduction then we need the highest possible TSH

* Nothing to eat or drink except water before the blood draw. This is because eating can lower TSH and coffee can affect TSH.

* If taking thyroid hormone replacement, last dose of Levo should be 24 hours before blood draw, if taking NDT or T3 then last dose should be 8-12 hours before blood draw. Adjust timing the day before if necessary. This avoids measuring hormone levels at their peak after ingestion of hormone replacement. Take your thyroid meds after the blood draw. Taking your dose too close to the blood draw will give false high results, leaving any longer gap will give false low results.

* If you take Biotin or a B Complex containing Biotin (B7), leave this off for 3-7 days before any blood test. This is because if Biotin is used in the testing procedure it can give false results (most labs use biotin).

These are patient to patient tips which we don't discuss with phlebotomists or doctors.

So if you take your Levo in the morning, don't take it before the test tomorrow, take it afterwards.

If you take any supplements don't take them before the test tomorrow but remember about biotin/B Complex needing to be left off for 3-7 days before the test.