Hi everyone,
First time posting on here but a lot of the information is very confusing. I am from the UK,diagnosed in 2019 with Hypothyroidism and subsequently placed on Levothyroxin.
Started low and has been increased now to 200mcg. I have been on this dose for a few months now and soon due another blood test.
I am also type 2 diabetic. Currently on a low carb diet recommended by my gp, and intolerant to cows milk, wheat and eggs.
I excersise about 2 hours a day,swimming and taking my dog for a walk.
My weight is increasing gradually and can't seem to lose any,especially when I am mostly eating salads and chicken for my main meals.
Doctors are saying my bloods results are improving and diabeties has dropped a lot too.
my current symptoms are fatigue, weight gain and I am at a loss as to why.
Has anyone else had a similar experience?
Could anyone advise me on what my next steps should be please? 🙏
Even a good place to start doing some research would be good too. I am planning to speak to my gp again soon but I just feel like they don't care and just increase my dose. I feel like the medication doesn't do anything,i will take it first thing in the morning and avoid food and other medicines until an hour afterwards.
Shaun1290
Welcome to the forum.
Can you post your latest test results please, along with their reference ranges as these vary from lab to lab.
For a full picture you need
TSH
FT4
FT3
Thyroid antibodies if they have ever been tested
And optimal nutrient levels are needed for thyroid hormone to work properly so it's important to also test
Vit D
B12
Folate
Ferritin
Hi SeasideSusie
Thanks for such a quick reply,
I can try my best.. this is all the information I could find from my NHS app;
Serum free T4 level 16.8 pmol/L [11.4 - 21.4]
Serum TSH level 5.68 mlU/L [0.27 - 4.2]
Above high reference limit
There are other test results on there but they are more specific to Diabetes and Liver Function Testing.
Thank you 😊
Shaun1290
OK, so just the basic TSH and FT4 tests.
We always advise doing thyroid tests as follows :
* Test no later than 9am
* Nothing to eat or drink except water before the test
* Last dose of Levo 24 hours before the test
* No biotin or B Complex or any supplement containing Biotin for 3-7 days before the test as this gives false results.
You may not have done this test this way but beat in mind for future tests.
Your TSH is far too high although one would expect to see a lower FT4 with such a high FT4.
Nevertheless just looking at THS this showed the need for an increase and I expect that was when it was increased to 200mcg.
The aim of a treated hypo patient, generally, is for TSH to be 1 or lower with FT4 and FT3 in the upper part of their ranges, if that is where you feel well.
FT3 is rarely done at primary level but it s the most important test. We look at FT4 and FT3 and I tells us if we are converting T4 to T3 well enough, low T3 causes symptoms.
When are you due to retest?