Test before or after Levothyroxine

[Gyp101]

Hi all

I need to do a home test after a Levothyroxine dose increase . Do I test before I take it or after ?

The doctor only gives me my TSH levels do I’ve got a home testing kit to measure my T3 and T4 for a more accurate idea of what’s going on .

Any advice would be great

[SlowDragon Administrator]

only test after at least 6-8 weeks on constant unchanging dose and brand of levothyroxine

Recommended that all thyroid blood tests early morning, ideally just before 9am, only drink water between waking and test and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test

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

Important to test vitamin levels at least once year too

What vitamin supplements are you taking

Medichecks Thyroid plus antibodies and vitamins

medichecks.com/products/adv...

Blue Horizon Thyroid Premium Gold includes antibodies, cortisol and vitamins

bluehorizonbloodtests.co.uk...

Only do private testing early Monday or Tuesday morning.

Link about thyroid blood tests

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

Tips on how to do DIY finger prick test

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

Medichecks and BH also offer private blood draw at clinic near you, or private nurse to your own home…..for an extra fee

[Gyp101 in reply to SlowDragon]

Hi SlowDragon

To my rescue again …. I’m not going to test till 6 weeks and I normally take my Levothyroxine at 7am every morning so would you recommend I test before 7 ?

I’m currently taking selinium , magnesium and Vit D .

These were lacking on my results but the doctor failed to Iet me know . It was only when I asked for a print out that I saw that it said they should have recommended supplements before the next re test

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Gyp101]

Day before test take levothyroxine at 8am

Day of test, aim to test 8.30am

Exercise for 10-15mins before test to help get blood pumping around

[Gyp101 in reply to SlowDragon]

So test before I take my tablet then

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Gyp101]

Yes always test before taking levothyroxine

See last box on page 13 here

sps.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploa...

primary care monitoring

monitoring……measured from blood tests taken prior to morning medication

[Gyp101 in reply to SlowDragon]

Then you as always … take care