Suppressed TSH

[66olives]

Hi

TSH 0.02 mu/L (0.34 -5.6)

Does anyone know why my tsh would be supressed? I have been on 100mcg for 6 months. The last month my box of 28 tabs still has 5 tabs left, should be -2. This is ringing alarm bells.

I know I have taken it late several times believing late is better than none. But my memory is shredded at present. (I think stress related as my Mum 82, has cancer,)

Until the last month I felt healthy.

So test was 8.45am, last meds I think were taken 26 hrs prior but could have been 50hrs looking at packet. Definitely did not take them that moring (gave hubby vontrol of packet). No B6 for 2weeks proor to test. In fact I stopoed all vits for two weeks, put them out of my reach as reminder.

GP lowered meds via text, no discussion. (I have a NO text /email alert that GP ignored. This means change brand and strength, which for me means migraine. I have spojen to surgery secretary but not picked up new meds yet.

I am worried as to cause of the supressed result.

Thanks.

[greygoose]

The last month my box of 28 tabs still has 5 tabs left, should be -2.

So, what exactly are you saying? That you have probably forgotten to take your levo a couple of times? It happens. But, that wouldn't account of the sudden drop of TSH.

In fact, TSH doesn't drop suddenly, it takes it's time. So, I think we need more information.

* When did you have your last test before this one?

* What dose where you taking at that time?

* What was the TSH then?

* Is TSH all that is tested?

* Do you have Hashi's?

A suppressed TSH is nothing to worry about in and of itself - apart from the fact that ignornat doctors will reduce your dose because of it! Once the TSH gets below 1, it is a very poor indicator of thyroid status. The most important number is the FT3, which is rarely tested because doctors don't know what it is! But, they should at least be taking the FT4.

So test was 8.45am, last meds I think were taken 26 hrs prior but could have been 50hrs

Even leaving 50 hours wouldn't affect the TSH because it doesn't move that fast. And, if it did, it would mean the TSH would be higher, not lower.

GP lowered meds via text, no discussion.

Your GP should not be doing this. He is there to advise you, not dictate to you. Your treatment should be agreed between you after giving your informed consent. Write to the practice manager and complain about your GP's high-handed take on treatment! I would. Dosing by the TSH is 100% wrong.

[66olives in reply to greygoose]

Pill box has JUST arrived.

GP will only ever test TSH only. No idea why thyroid is not working. They have never investigated why my thyroid is not 100%. They have not even done the antibodies tests.

I have had lump in throat when swallowing conveniently ignored about 4 or 5 yrs before diagnosed.

Last checks were January/February when I had to fight to get get meds increased. From 75 to 100mcg. But they only prescribe 28 days at a time, and its never same brand twice, so I have not wasted my money getting a medicheck test done. Will do so as soon as I can.

I just hate the thought of getting ill on holiday

[greygoose in reply to 66olives]

Your GP sounds awful! Very ignorant. He's never going to make you well because he doesn't know enough about it. He may not believe that a change of brand can cause migrain, but but many thyroid patients know it to be true. He'll probably say it's all the same thing, and the active ingredient is. But, he should know that different brands use different fillers, and that's what affects people - not all fillers suit all people! It's his job to know something like that. But, doctors just don't seem to want to do their jobs anymore. It's a terrible situation. And testing antibodies is one of the first things that should be tested. But, I bet he doesn't even know what high antibodies signify! Hope you can get that private test done soon.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Just testing TSH is completely inadequate

First step is to get yourself a weekly pill dispenser

That way you won’t forget pills

ALWAYS test thyroid levels early morning, ideally just before 9am and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test

Contact GP and Refuse to reduce dose at moment and get FULL Thyroid and vitamin testing done

what vitamin supplements are you currently taking

When were vitamin levels last tested

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 plus both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested.

Very important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 at least once year minimum

About 90% of primary hypothyroidism is autoimmune thyroid disease, usually diagnosed by high thyroid antibodies 

Autoimmune thyroid disease with goitre is Hashimoto’s

Autoimmune thyroid disease without goitre is Ord’s thyroiditis. 

Both are autoimmune and generally called Hashimoto’s.

Low vitamin levels are extremely common when hypothyroid, especially with autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto’s or Ord’s thyroiditis)

20% of autoimmune thyroid patients never have high thyroid antibodies and ultrasound scan of thyroid can get diagnosis 

In U.K. medics hardly ever refer to autoimmune thyroid disease as Hashimoto’s (or Ord’s thyroiditis)

Recommended on here that all thyroid blood tests early morning, ideally just before 9am and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test 

This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip)

Private tests are available as NHS currently rarely tests Ft3 or all relevant vitamins

List of private testing options and money off codes

thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...

Medichecks Thyroid plus antibodies and vitamins

medichecks.com/products/adv...

Blue Horizon Thyroid Premium Gold includes antibodies, cortisol and vitamins

bluehorizonbloodtests.co.uk...

Come back with new post once you get results

[Buddy195 Administrator]

I am so sorry to hear of your increased stress related to your mum’s cancer. Stress can definitely affect thyroid function.

As others have said, you really need to test FT3 and FT4 in addition to TSH, to get a better picture of your thyroid health. I test privately using Medichecks, as GPS are reluctant to do comprehensive tests.

[66olives]

Thanks Buddy 195

Yep, will get full Medicheck done as soon as i have 6 weeks on single/consistant brand of medication/strength, this has not happened since January. Pharmacy would change it once issued and the gp cover wouldn't believe change can cause migraine.

Will be changing GP surgery as soon as I am back from holiday.