Testing my thyroid after stopping levothyroxine

[Dariab]

Hi

I was put on levothyroxine back in March when my test results were considered borderline. I had to have surgery in April to remove a cyst on my pituitary gland which thankfully seems to have been successful (though I have what is considered to be mild diabetes insipidus which preceded the surgery). I was put on hydrocortisone in March and was able to come off after the surgery. My endocrinologist suggested we stagger things so I came off levothyroxine later (about 8 weeks ago I think). I was on 25 mg (I think).

From reading your website I started taking vitamin B12 as I am virtually vegan and had not considered my B12 intake, I also take a vitamin B complex and vitamin D (I have just ordered some vitamin D3 as I realise that's important). I also take an iron supplement.

I have started getting tinnitus in one ear and some hearing loss in that ear. I have a feeling of wanting to pop my ears. I am being sent for a scan but its taking a long time for it to be arranged.

I also easily experience fatigue which I have attributed to my work and a training I am doing on top of this. But which may be due to an underlying health issue. I easily get headaches. I have always been prone to them.

I had my post-surgery thyroid tests. I had requested various tests by email a week before but I don't think my email got through in time. (Cholestrol as it was raised, vitamin B12, Free T3).

I have my results back today and all they have checked for is my TSH and T4. The results are TSH 2.18mIU/L (standard range 0.27-4.20 mIU/L) and free T4 17.3 pmol/L (standard range 12.0-22.0 pmol/L) In March my results were TSH 1.48 and Free T4 11.7,

I stopped all the vitamins 3 days before the tests and fasted the night before as there was no instructions if that was necessary or not.

What further tests should I request to check my thyroid?

Thank you for all the help so far. I do appreciate it.

D

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Dariab

What further tests should I request to check my thyroid?

FT3, but it should be done at the same time as TSH and FT4 as all need to be considered together.

The results are TSH 2.18mIU/L (standard range 0.27-4.20 mIU/L) and free T4 17.3 pmol/L (standard range 12.0-22.0 pmol/L)

When you say "standard range", is that the range that actually came with your tests or did they come without a range and you've found the range somewhere else?

[Dariab in reply to SeasideSusie]

Hi - yes those are the ones on my NHS test results.

[Dariab in reply to Dariab]

Hi again, I mean those are the ranges reported alongside my test results.

[Dariab in reply to SeasideSusie]

Hi yes those are the ranges reported alongside my NHS test results.

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Dariab]

In that case your results will be considered euthyroid (normal). A person with a normal healthy thyroid would generally have TSH no higher than 2, often around 1, with FT4 around half way through range. Your TSH is on the higher side (but that could be your normal but it could also be that your thyroid may be starting to struggle) and your FT4 is 53% through range.

A full thyroid panel should include TSH, FT4 and FT3 but FT3 is rarely done. Thyroid antibodies can be included if the doctor thinks there is a need.