Hypothyroidism Help please - Blood test results - Thyroid UK

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Hypothyroidism Help please - Blood test results

LizzieAFib profile image
10 Replies

Hello. I’ve had hypothyroidism for years, (current GP system doesn’t let me view medical history :( so I can’t give you the year ) but never looked as if I do, eg current weight is 7st 11 lb and I’m 5’ 4” tall. I’ve been on Levothyroxine, was on 75mcg then last year it was increased to 100mcg

I still have hypo symptoms eg, cold intolerance, low ferritin (currently taking ferrous sulphate 200 mg), hair loss, minor restless leg - twitchy and tingly right foot, dry skin, fatigue. Last blood tests were TSH 0.10 and T4 22.6.

GP has reduced my Levo dose however the blood test was done without my knowledge - I went for a FBC, liver function, and serum lipase test, plus B12 etc - so I hadn’t arranged the blood test for early morning. I will discuss that with GP!

Previous TSH were: 0.33 - Oct 22. 5 - Jul 21. Previous GP surgery didn’t do T4

I am not convinced I should have my Levo dosage reduced. I spoke to GP last week and basically she just put the phone down on me after saying I needed to reduce my dosage. I've found out I have been given another telephone appointment - didn’t get any notification of the appointment, just found it when checking on the website for something else!

Any help with information/questions to raise with GP would be helpful. Thank you

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LizzieAFib
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10 Replies
DandyButch profile image
DandyButch

Hello, I think you have a right to ask your GP for a copy of your results. You also have the right for a second opinion, if possible at your surgery.

pip173 profile image
pip173 in reply to DandyButch

Hi, I thought your doctor had to allow you to see your records, if you request it, but in anycase, if you create an account with NHS Online you can see your entire medical history.

LizzieAFib profile image
LizzieAFib in reply to pip173

Thank you. I saw an advanced nurse practitioner the week before last and whilst there asked why I couldn’t see my records - turns out I had to fill in another form, which I wasn’t given when I changed GP practice. My previous GP practice removed loads of patients from their practice - assuming because of new housing estates locally. Have filled out the form, and got one for hubby too, but will take about 5 weeks before I can see my previous data on the NHS and Patient Access sources.

TiggerMe profile image
TiggerMe

Sounds like even with a high fT4 you possibly aren't converting enough to fT3 if still symptomatic...

I would suggest you get a full thyroid panel private blood test to see where you are with this and if it comes up low you can request a referral to an Endo 🤗

tattybogle profile image
tattybogle

Hi LizzieAfib . for a list of useful discussion on the subject of Low TSH/ Risk vs. Quality of Life , see my reply to this post (3rd reply down) : healthunlocked.com/thyroidu... feeling-fine-but-tsh-is-low

Also see this post : healthunlocked.com/thyroidu... useful-evidence-that-tsh-between-0.04-0.4-has-no-increased-risk-to-patients-on-levothyroxine-updated-new-study-does-show-small-risk

LizzieAFib profile image
LizzieAFib in reply to tattybogle

Thank you very much tattybogle. Will have a read

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator

Refuse to reduce dose until had full thyroid and vitamin testing done…privately if necessary

You’re only over medicated if Ft3 is over range

what vitamin supplements are you taking

Remember to stop any supplements that contain biotin 5-7 days before any blood tests

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)

On T3 - day before test split T3 as 2 or 3 smaller doses spread through the day with last dose 8-12 hours before test

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...

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

Just TSH, Ft4 and Ft3 test - £32

monitormyhealth.org.uk/thyr...

10% off code here

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

Monitor My Health also now offer thyroid and vitamin testing, plus cholesterol and HBA1C for £65

(Doesn’t include thyroid antibodies)

monitormyhealth.org.uk/full...

10% off code here

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

LizzieAFib profile image
LizzieAFib in reply to SlowDragon

Thank you very much SlowDragon for your comprehensive reply. I spoke to the Dr today and explained that my TFT had been done without my knowledge and she didn’t know about the time gap from taking the Levothyroxine or blood test early in the morning so I explained that’s what was advised by my previous GP practice. Anyway, she's agreed to redo TFT in 5 weeks.

I'd like to get FT3 done.

The only supplements I take are Q10, magnesium citrate, digestive enzymes, and kefir (I have IBS D). I do eat a daily dose of Brazil nuts for my selenium

Re biotin - should I avoid foods like eggs before the test? TY

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply to LizzieAFib

Strongly recommend you get FULL Thyroid and vitamin testing done now yourself

Order a full test ASAP and do early on a Monday or Tuesday morning

last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before testc

No you don’t need to avoid biotin in food….just supplements

It’s because biotin is used in lots of lab test equipment

Optimal vitamin levels

Vitamin D at least over 80nmol minimum

And between 100-125nmol may be better

Active B12 at least over 70

Serum B12 at least over 500

Folate near top of range

Ferritin at least over 70 and nearer 100 better

Many (most?) thyroid patients need to supplement vitamin D and vitamin B complex continuously

Many need to initially take separate B12 first before adding vitamin B complex

And many struggle with low iron/ferritin……frequently necessary to eat high iron rich diet and may need iron supplement too

LizzieAFib profile image
LizzieAFib in reply to SlowDragon

Thank you very much Slow Dragon - so helpful. Will do as you suggest

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