Hi everyone, First time posting anything but my latest results say satisfactory T4 result, as a comment from the health professional. The result is out of the range so I am wondering if I am being fobbed off.
Results as follows:
TSH - 1.64 mIU/L (0.38-5.33)
Serum free T3 - 4.8 pmol/L (3.8-6.0)
Serum free T4 - 15.3 pmol/L (7.9-14.4)
This was a fasting blood test taken at approximately 8:30 am.
I have been on a 75 microgram dose since 2017 after a partial thyroid removal in 2016 due to a nodule/goitre that they couldn't determine was cancerous until removed. It wasn't cancer. From what I have read on here, that dose seems quite low due to NICE guidelines.
I am aware that I haven't filled iny profile so here is some background. I'm approaching 50 so symptoms like brain fog, weight gain, muscle aches, sleeping problems can be common with both perimenopause and hypothyroidism. I have always felt a bit rubbish most of my adult life with extreme tiredness, generally I have learned to live with it. I follow a strict gluten free diet which helps a bit.
Sorry for the long post. Any advice, thanks in advance.
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BeePurple
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In a way, you are being fobbed off, yes. They are ignoring the fact that you are a poor converter and need your FT4 well over-range in order to get enough T3 to keep you alive - and even then it's not quite mid-range!
But either they don't understand how these things work. Or else they're avoiding the quetion of prescribing T3, which they really don't like doing.
Thank you. Would my next step be trying to get them to prescribe T3? Or perhaps order a more in depth test with vitamins like SlowDragon is suggestions below before making that step?I know this will most likely be private test from what I have read previously on the forum.
Well, you do absolutely need optimal nutrients, so getting them tested is essential. But, even with optimal nutrients I doubt your conversion would improve enough to keep you well. So, you do also need to start investigating the possibility of obtaining T3.
It was a hemi thyroidectomy. I take a spray vitamin D in the autumn/winter because I spend as much time outside as I can to feel better. I should really take something else but have never been able to get myself in a good routine. I have never had B12 or my antibodies tested.
My iron is tested every 4 months when I donate blood so that must be fine.
I'm assuming the vitamin and antibody test is a private one?
Many thyroid patients need to supplement vitamin D all year and at higher doses than typical for other people
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 folate, ferritin and B12 at least once year minimum
Test vitamin D twice year
About 90% of primary hypothyroidism is autoimmune thyroid disease, usually diagnosed by high thyroid antibodies
Autoimmune thyroid disease with goitre is Hashimoto’s
Autoimmune thyroid disease without goitre is Ord’s thyroiditis.
Both are autoimmune and generally called Hashimoto’s.
Low vitamin levels are extremely common when hypothyroid, especially with autoimmune thyroid disease
As you have found gluten free diet beneficial, likely you have autoimmune thyroid disease
20% of autoimmune thyroid patients never have high thyroid antibodies and ultrasound scan of thyroid can get diagnosis
In U.K. medics hardly ever refer to autoimmune thyroid disease as Hashimoto’s (or Ord’s thyroiditis)
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)
Private tests are available as NHS currently rarely tests Ft3 or all relevant vitamins
Testing options and includes money off codes for private testing
I have often wondered about Hashimoto's because I had a goitre. It is very frustrating because the Drs do limited blood tests and they always came back "normal" until now. It was the first one I managed to book following your recommendations above too 8:30, no levo for 24hrs, just water) and I felt pretty rubbish. Thanks for all the links and recommendations, I will get reading. The vit D is the highest they sell and what was recommended. I will be more diligent with taking it throughout the year.
Autoimmune conditions are quite common in my family. I have asthma and allergies and gluten intolerance.
I try to include nuts, red meat, offal, greens and dark chocolate in my diet to help with vitamins. I often crave things like steak or Brazil nuts probably because I am lacking in the vitamins I need.
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