medichecks

[Idalmis]

hello,

I have ordered the well woman test. I take 5mg carbimazole 3 times a week. My cholesterol is 6.6, lower than it’s ever been and I do not want to take statins. My gp doesn’t want to retest TSH and I don’t think I have been tested for T3 or T4. Do I need to stop the carbimazole before doing the test and if yes, how long before? I feel so tired in the mornings and I am hoping for an explanation. Than you.

[PurpleNails Administrator]

If you take carbimazole you need regular thyroid testing including FT4 & FT3. Doctor could miss an important change by refusing to monitor. How often are you monitored eg 3 monthly, if previously stable?

I would ask why your dr is willing risk your health. Especially as you now have symptoms.

You don’t need to stop carbimazole prior to test as is would have no affect. Only long term changes. It’s not the same as replacement where a hormone is added in 1 go. carbimazole gradually reduces natural output, the timings for testing are not so relevant.

What vitamins do you take? some need to be stopped a few days before eg biotin and some should be taken after draw - Perhaps eg iron & vitamin D as they will be tested.

Test close to 09.00, fast overnight but drink lots of water. That will show highest TSH.

[Idalmis in reply to PurpleNails]

thank you so much. I take vitamin d and go-factors (magnesium, vitamin A, K2, boron and fish oil. I’ll stop everything prior to the test next week.

[Celticfiddler]

Hi There I apologise for the delay in replying to you. I see that an administrator has replied to your questions. I can only tell you what happens with me.

5 mg of carbimazole has kept my T4 and T3 ok these past 4 years ( I initially took a bigger dose and have even got down to 2.5 mg but am back on 5mg)

I have my thyroid tested every three months though I only get the TSH result now, apparently if T4 is in range then its not reported back. Even the GP can's seem to get it. This is really frustrating as its good to know how you feel within the range .

Every 12 months I have a full test done that includes liver function as Carbimazole affects the liver and if it gets toxic then 2 enzymes will show in your results. For the first time I have had these showing and I am waiting to hear what I should do next.

I have been waiting to have a procedure done on my goitre and will feed back about this next year under RFA ( Radio Frequency Ablation )

If I were you I would discuss with your GP thyroid testing T4 T3 TSH and antibodies once or twice a year. It may be that they can't authorise all of them in which case you should be referrred to an endocrinologist who can authorise them !

kind regards

[Idalmis in reply to Celticfiddler]

Hello,

Thanks for replying to me. I have just received my results from Medichecks and yes, my TSH is too high. Was advice to reduce but I don’t know how to go about it. I’ll write a different post on here to see if someone can advise.