Low tsh but is it result of taking NDT?

[Katkrap]

I just had a blood test that has come back with a tsh of 0.05 range is 9.0 to 25.0, I think it was similar on last test 2 yrs ago and I think it is because I take NDT . Would any think this is too low? , should I reduce my ndt, have been taking 3 grains of thyroid s for last 2 years. I do feel jittery at times but when I reduce I just dont function but will admit I haven't reduced slowly which is perhaps the problem? I have to call GP re results so want to be aware of what results other have had please😇

[Lalatoot]

The range you have posted is an ft4 range. The ranges for TSH usually start 0.29 or 0.45 (or similar) and end somewhere around 4.75.

[Katkrap in reply to Lalatoot]

Yes , I miss read the result, free T4 is 17.7 on that range of 9 to 25. My tsh is .05

[Jaydee1507 Administrator]

TSH on any replacement containing T3 is likely to reduce TSH very low to suppressed even and it's nothing to worry about. That is what taking T3 does as it is an active hormone and the pituitary gland no longer needs to call for more.

When hypo we get low stomach acid which means we cannot absorb vitamins well from our food, regardless of a great diet. For thyroid hormone to work well we need OPTIMAL levels of vitamins. Have you recently or could you ask your GP to test levels of ferritin, folate, B12 & D3? Private tests are available, see link for companies offering private blood tests & discount codes, some offer a blood draw service at an extra cost. thyroiduk.org/help-and-supp...

Do you know if you had positive thyroid antibodies? Many with autoimmune thyroid disease aka Hashimoto's benefit from a gluten free diet. A smaller percentage of those also need to remove dairy from their diet to feel well.

[Katkrap in reply to Jaydee1507]

Yes I have had results indicating hashimoto's in the past but from an private test, GP wont do those tests and I am not in a position to get them done privately at the moment unfortunately. But I am going to ask again of they will check other vitamin levels and iron.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

As lalatoot says, that range is for FT4, the range for TSH is much lower.

When taking NDT the TSH will always be low, often suppressed, this is because it contains T3, it's just what it does. You don't go by TSH anyway, thyroid status is shown by FT4 and, more importantly (and especially since you are taking NDT) the FT3 level. If FT3 is in range you're not overmedicated. You should always have a full panel - TSH, FT4 and FT3 - when taking NDT or T3, and don't let GP adjust your dose by TSH alone.

Did you have FT4 and FT3 included this time? If so what were the results and when did you take your last dose of NDT before the test? The day before the test it should be split into 2 or 3 doses and last part of dose should be 8-12 hours before blood draw.

[Katkrap in reply to SeasideSusie]

I source my ndt so the GP doesnt have a say in what I take, but I am going to try adjusting it by 1/4 grain and see how I go.

[pennyannie]

Hello Katkrap ;

The TSH is a diagnostic tool and once on any form of thyroid hormone replacement we should be monitored and dose adjusted according to symptoms and our Free T3 and Free T4 readings.

The TSH will likely be low / suppressed when optimally medicated and especially since you are taking any replacement containing T3 - but with NDT you track on symptoms and if the Free T3 is in range you are said to be not overmedicated.

However - the timing of the blood draw from last dose can skew results as can whether you fast or not before the blood test.

Since you have jittery symptoms I'd suggest you drop your current dose by just a 1/4 grain and see if this solves or reduces this problem as this could well be a symptom of over medication.

You could also check on your blood pressure, pulse and body temperature - as these will also reflect if over medicated by being higher than your normal readings.

[Katkrap in reply to pennyannie]

I am going to try the reduction you suggested. I did have my blood pressure taken too, it is slightly elevated than normal for me but is still ok but I will look into pulse and body temp.

[pennyannie in reply to Katkrap]

OK then - just be aware that every new bottle of Thyroid S is likely a different batch number ( stamped on the bottle label ) which in turn means the potency of the contents maybe slightly different to those you are already taking.

So consider adjusting your dose if you experience new symptoms, especially if after starting a new bottle, and generally we are talking about a tolerance level of around 1/4 of a grain this way or that.

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to Katkrap]

Thyroid S Batches

A summary of known and suspected potency of Thyroid S batches.

helvella.blogspot.com/p/thy...

[Katkrap in reply to helvella]

Interesting to read this, my batch said no reports made but looked as though potency was over 100% on the and t4 so that could explain my symptoms, thanks for this

[Katkrap]

Thank you all for your comments and suggestions, I will take on board and take some action to hopefully alleviate some minor symptoms I'm having.