Hoping you might be able to help me with your brilliant knowledge..
I started on 50 mcg Levo when first diagnosed with hypothyroidism in January this year. This didn’t help with symptoms so I was increased to 75mcg. I still felt my symptoms weren’t easing as much as I hoped so had a bit of a battle with my GP to increase to 100mcg. Initially he asked me to take 75 mon-Fri then 100 at weekends. Eventually he agreed to let me try 100mcg for 3 months - which I’ve just completed.
I’ve had my latest blood results today and my GP says my TSH is too low and wants me to go back to 75mcg. I’m a bit gutted about this as I was just starting to feel like myself again on 100mcg - the weight gain ( almost 2 stone since over last year) was starting to reverse and the energy levels are great! But he’s messaged me to say I’m at risk of osteoporosis and an irregular heart rhythm. I’ve been checking my heart rate and ecg’s on my Apple Watch and seems to be okay.
Are you able to advise? Is my TSH dangerously low and should I drop to 75mcg?
I’ve attached my latest blood test result for reference and will add my previous one too..
Any advice would be amazing - thank you!
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SleepingDisco
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There's no such thing as a 'dangerously low' TSH. TSH is just an indicator of thyroid status - and a very bad one, at that, once it gets below 1. It's a messenger from the pituitary to the thyroid to tell it to make more or less hormone, but if you don't have a working thyroid, then it can't do that. A low TSH does not cause osteoporosis or heart problems. If your FT3, the active thyroid hormone, was well over-range that might increase your risk of these things, but as they rarely even check the FT3 you cannot know if you're over-medicated or not. So, do not allow your doctor to reduce your dose on the basis of a low TSH, insist you will only agree to a reduction if the FT3 is over-range - especially if you feel well on your present dose.
My test was at 2pm, the same time I’ve had every blood test so far but realise I should be getting tested pre 9am. Only option is to book a fasting blood test to get this time slot where I live..?
I’ve had the same brand of Levo since dose was changed but the previous lower dose was a different brand
I take Feel multivitamins daily - they have a good spectrum of main vits I think.
Im going to ask my GP for a T3 test - I’ll ask for vitamins to checked too. Not sure I’ll get this through GP though - but will get it done privately if not. What will the vitamin results show in terms of making sure I’m on the correct Levo dose?
And good to know re dose reduction. My GP has already changed my repeat to 75mcg so have no way of getting 100mcg without a discussion - for which they’ve given me an appointment in 2 weeks time, when I’ll have run out of 100mcg well before 🙄
Why does it have to be so hard?! 😩
Thanks again though, I’ll try and get the T3 bit test sorted asap
Also Contains biotin……biotin isn’t a problem BUT you must stop any supplements that contain biotin 5-7 days before blood test because biotin can falsely affect test results (it’s used in equipment in many labs)
Book early morning fasting appointment….if they argue, get tested privately
Oh goodness, yes that's the one I take. Thanks for flagging! No one tells you all this when you get diagnosed with Hypothyroidism. I was literally told nothing, other than to take levo!
I need to go back to the start and look up a beginners guide to hypothyroidism! 🙈
I'll stop taking the feel multivitamins then and look into an iodine (and biotin) free alternative..
thank you so much for all this SlowDragon, I’m speaking to my GP on Thursday and hoping they’ll allow me to get tested for Ft4 and Ft3 and vitamins via the NHS. But if not, I’ll book private ones.
Are the private ones all done via a finger prick test at home and is this as effective as vein tests?
And finally, can you recommend a good B complex and Vit D?
I’m vegetarian (sometimes more vegan) age 43 if that helps.
Also, I can’t remember if if shouldn’t take the b complex vits pre blood test, or is that just biotin? Assuming vit D is okay Pre bloods?
Thorne Basic B recommended vitamin B complex that contains folate, but they are large capsules.
(You can tip powder out if can’t swallow capsule)
IMPORTANT......If you are taking vitamin B complex, or any supplements containing biotin, remember to stop these 7 days before ALL BLOOD TESTS , as biotin can falsely affect test results
With serum B12 result below 500, (Or active B12 below 70) recommended to be taking a B12 supplement as well as a B Complex (to balance all the B vitamins) initially for first 2-4 months.
once your serum B12 is over 500 (or Active B12 level has reached 70), stop the B12 and just carry on with the B Complex.
Thanks again - your knowledge is incredible! Sorry for all the questions - I think I'm getting there with my understanding of it all now though - thanks to your help x
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