I have received my bloods back for TSH levels which is now in normal range (3.7) compared to 13.4 when I went only 25mcg
I mentioned to the GP how tired I feel again and my mood is certainly not where I would like it. I requested increase in dosage having read typical starting dose is 50mcg.
They flatly refused given my reading was normal as they don’t want it to go the other way.
I recently also had private bloods which came back as iron levels at 3.5 which is also on the low range. I was told it’s not anemia and to take a supplement.
has any males gone through similar and can offer any advice?
I am happy to explore anything to get this sorted
thank you
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ChrisW2609
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Was FT4 & FT3 tested.? TSH alone is inadequate test. & most feel better with TSH in lower part of reference range.
This doctor doesn’t seem aware of this, or that as below starting dose is unlikely to be sufficient.
There’s lots of room to increase before TSH goes anywhere near low in range, (not the TSH should be the focus) why are they prepared to keep you unwell?
Presumably if TSH is ok & it’s not your thyroid they are doing further investigating to find out why you are unwell?
Is there a reason you were started on just 25mcg? Like cardiac problems? Your TSH was higher than mine was at diagnosis, and I was put on 50mcg straight away. It's very unlikely to be enough for you to feel well, especially as you are male. Very often its around 1.6mcg per kilo of bodyweight for a very rough approximation of required dosage.
No explanation around dosage I think it was just to kick me off. Not heard the 1.6 mcg bit before, I don’t have any issues aside from eczema so I’ll raise this with the consultant.
Sorry I've never seen one but I believe ThyroidUK who run this forum have a list of private GP's and Endocrinologists. You can email them asking for the list.
I think I’d be arranging my own complete test privately with FT4, FT3 & nutrients. Then finding a reasonable GP to look at increasing doses in 25mcg increments & testing after 6 weeks until FT4 & FT3 at adequate levels.
Dose adjustment are usually settled by 6-8 weeks, to suggest takes 6 months is incorrect.
Once you have information of full test & you can find sensible GP then look to take to private endo.
Does the brand suit you? Best to stick with single brand not take a mix. Some find certain brand causes reactions.
Only do private testing early Monday or Tuesday morning. Be aware of possible postal strikes affecting delivery of kit back to lab
Assuming tests show under medicated (virtually guaranteed to do so) take results to different GP and insist on next 25mcg dose increase in levothyroxine
Low iron
Likely to need full iron panel test for anaemia too
Email Thyroid U.K. for list of recommended thyroid specialist endocrinologist and doctors
In the majority of patients 50-100 μg thyroxine can be used as the starting dose. Alterations in dose are achieved by using 25-50 μg increments and adequacy of the new dose can be confirmed by repeat measurement of TSH after 2-3 months.
The majority of patients will be clinically euthyroid with a ‘normal’ TSH and having thyroxine replacement in the range 75-150 μg/day (1.6ug/Kg on average).
The recommended approach is to titrate thyroxine therapy against the TSH concentration whilst assessing clinical well-being. The target is a serum TSH within the reference range.
……The primary target of thyroxine replacement therapy is to make the patient feel well and to achieve a serum TSH that is within the reference range. The corresponding FT4 will be within or slightly above its reference range.
The minimum period to achieve stable concentrations after a change in dose of thyroxine is two months and thyroid function tests should not normally be requested before this period has elapsed.
See also this pinned post on where TSH should be on levothyroxine……dose is increased slowly upwards in 25mcg steps until symptoms are improved…..frequently TSH will be under 1
Most important results are ALWAYS Ft3 followed by Ft4 and all four vitamins must be optimal
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Why test 6 - 8 weeks after dose change?
After 8 weeks of treatment
Blood test results after 4 weeks of stopping levothyroxine
Follow up bloods from 3 weeks back
First blood test after diagnosis and meds
