Basic Test Results

[Calceolaria]

I finally got a call handler at my GP practice to read out my pretty basic test results, as repeated requests just to even discuss my recent hypothyroid diagnosis have fallen on stony ground - very busy etc.. I appreciate it’s early days for me but I am very keen on self-management and being informed is the first step. And I was completely ignorant.

In August, T4 was 6 with a range of 11-22. Antibody was 58.3, range 0.27 - 4.02. ( Sounds a bit startling!)

In September, I was tested only for TSH and it was 3.7, range 0.27 - 4.02.

These results are since medicating with 50mcg daily levothyroxine, about to start my third month on these.

Are things on track for far? I was txt this morning to collected another blood test slip and I take on board your advice re timing etc.

I am feeling generally better, with lapses!

Thanks.

[PurpleNails Administrator]

Verbal or handwritten results are very unreliable - you must insist on accurate printed copy or set up online access to  records.

T4 was 6 with a range of 11-22.  Was this Free T4?.  Very under range were you very unwell? 

Antibody was 58.3, range 0.27 - 4.02.   - Which antibody? TPO? TG? there are others it doesn’t look like typical antibody range eg (0-X) or >X.  Was this you TSH? As sane range given.

TSH 3.7. range 0.27 - 4.02. Improvement? & in range but TSH unreliable. You need FT4 & FT3 tested.

Most feel well with TSH around 1 FT4 top 3rd & FT3 at least half way.

Still room to increase and TSH not drop under range. Ask for 25mcg daily increase & retest in 6-8 weeks.

For levo to work well & convert to good FT3 levels, folate,ferritin, B12 and vitamin d need to be optimal. Have these been tested?

What time was tests taken? Recommend early morning draw.  Fasting over night, delay dose until after draw, supplements containing biotin need to be avoided 3 days before draw as can affect results.  

[Jaydee1507 Administrator]

Just a tip for results. If you have the NHS app then you might be able to view your results there. Your GP prctice may need to authorise this but it's a lot easier than phoning surgery etc and you get them as soon as the GP does. It's also handy for ordering repeat prescriptions. ❤️

With a TSH of 3.7 you have plenty of room for an increase. 50mcgs is really just a starter dose. Glad you feel slightly better.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Calceolalria

Antibody was 58.3, range 0.27 - 4.02. ( Sounds a bit startling!)

You need to clarify exactly what this is. It is definitely not an antibody range, it is the range for TSH. So is this result of 58.3 your TSH result or did they test thyroid antibodies and this is that result, if so what is the range?

If there is no online access to your results always ask for a print out, if they say they're busy it wouldn't take any longer to press the button to print them than to read them out over the phone.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

September

TSH and it was 3.7, range 0.27 - 4.02. 

3 months on 50mcg levothyroxine

just testing TSH is completely inadequate

On levothyroxine TSH should always be below 2

Request 25mcg dose increase in levothyroxine and bloods retested in another 6-8 weeks

Which brand of levothyroxine are you currently taking

Have you had vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 levels tested yet

Or coeliac blood test

If not request testing now

Low vitamin levels are extremely common when hypothyroid

What vitamin supplements are you currently taking

Typically dose levothyroxine is increased slowly upwards in 25mcg steps. Most important results are always Ft3 and Ft4. Looking for Ft3 at least 50-60% through range

Usually takes 6-12 months to reach correct dose

Typically that’s approx 1.6mcg per kilo of your weight per day

Unless extremely petite likely to eventually be on at least 100mcg levothyroxine per day

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