Thyroid

[Nicola1964]

I hope to learn more about transitioning from synthetic eletroxin to a natural form. Looking forward to engaging here with you all.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Welcome to the forum

Before considering changing from levothyroxine you need to get FULL thyroid and vitamin testing done

See where your levels are now before changing

How much levothyroxine and which brand are you taking

What vitamin supplements

Bloods should be retested 6-8 weeks after each dose change or brand change in levothyroxine

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 tested

Also both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested at least once

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

Low vitamin levels are extremely common when hypothyroid, especially after RAI and Graves’ disease

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)

If your GP won’t test everything…..use private testing

Lets Get checked in Ireland

letsgetchecked.ie

[Nicola1964 in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you for your reply yes I plan to go see a specialist in the next few weeks to get all these tests done and more, I am just beginning to research all this information.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Nicola1964]

We recommend getting tested BEFORE any consultation…..much cheaper

And often can significantly improve things first by fine tuning levothyroxine, getting vitamins tested and optimal and many thyroid patients benefit from strictly gluten free diet

[Nicola1964 in reply to SlowDragon]

Ok thank you I will do that so first.

[Nicola1964]

Hi there I am on letsgetchecked.ie and which tests should I send for is it the essential vitamin testing which test V D, V B12, folate serum and the Thyroid one, should I also get the Thyroid anti bodies ones. Thank you for your help I am happy to find this site and realise what little I know about any of my blood counts I never had these discussions with my Doctor.

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to Nicola1964]

I think this reply was intended to be seen by SlowDragon but was inadvertently a reply to the original poster.

[Nicola1964 in reply to helvella]

Haha did I reply to myself🙂 The Doc has given me an appt for blood tests Thursday week at 10.30 is that too late for blood test as the recommended time is 9/9.30?

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to Nicola1964]

Sorry - haven't read your posts/replies properly.

Earlier is better. But at least part of the issue is recognising that there is an issue.

You can't make a mathematical adjustment but if the results are questionable, then argue and make certain it is earlier next time.

[Nicola1964 in reply to helvella]

I just rang them up there and rebooked for the following week at 9.15, another week but at least it's a better time and I can go see my doctor next week with the results I have got from let's get checked and have a good chat with her and see how I get on.

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to Nicola1964]

Sounds a good plan.