I have had some unusual test results. I have been on 75 mcg levothyroxine for a number of years but my latest blood tests show tsh 4.6 and T4 19. This has been repeated 3 times now just to be sure and the results are the same.
I always take the thyroxine at least an hour before breakfast.
I am suffering a lot with neck pain but no swelling.
Can anyone advise. Thank you
Thirtyone we really need to see the ranges (figures in brackets) also a T3 result would be helpful. Have you always had the same brand of levothyroxine, if so which brand. 75 mcgm would seem to be a low dose.
Hi Thirtyone, welcome to the forum. 
As crimple says, we do need to see the ranges because they vary from lab to lab. But, we don't need a range to see that your TSH is higher than euthyroid (i.e. no thyroid problems). Possibly over the top of the range?
And, it does look as if your FT4 is quite high, too. So, the test that would make sense of all that is the FT3, and I imagine they didn't do that, did they. Sigh. One really wonders about their lack of logic in repeating the test three times without ever testing the most important number!
But, we also need the answers to a few questions:
- do you have any sort of thyroid diagnosis?
- are you taking any sort of thyroid hormone replacement - is so, what and how much?
- what time of day was the blood draw for these tests?
That will give us a better idea what's going on.
No FT3 I’m afraid. I have had under active thyroid for 10 years and have been on 75 mcg of levothyroxine for about 2 years.
first test
Results show T4 19.7 (11.0 -22.0)
Tsh 6.30 (0.27-4.2)
Second and third test reference the same T 4 19 and tsh 4.6
The brands vary. Have asked for same but they say no.
The tests were done mid morning each time.
So, if you had your blood draws mid-morning, your TSH could actually be higher than that if it were done before 9 am - which is when we usually advise people to have it done.
So, why is your TSH so high when your FT4 is also high-ish? My guess is that it's because you aren't converting your T4 (levo) to T3 very well. But, to know that, you'd have to have your FT4 and FT3 done at the same time, and compare them. So, the best thing you could do is to get your labs done privately. Details of private lab tests here:
Hi, I followed advice offered from this forum. After being prescribed levothyroxine by my gp and still feeling rubbish afterbeing on100mg levo, I purchased my own blood tests, posted results on this forum, discovered i was a poor converter from t4 to t3. Managed to obtain t3, thanks again to this forum. Now on levo and t3, feeling normal now. Its a long journey, be patient and kind to yourself, you're not on your own🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸
Thirtyone tests should preferably be before 9am and before you take any thyroid medication. Are you taking any supplements with Biotin? Have you ever used one of the companies that do private blood tests such as Medichecks, mentioned on here. That is the only way you will get testing of Tsh, T4 and T3, you could also get tested for thyroid antibodies and Vitamins B12, D, folate and ferritin level. They usually have discount on Thursdays.
ALWAYS test 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)
As you took levothyroxine before test result is giving false high Ft4
High TSH shows you need 25mcg dose increase in levothyroxine
Which brand of levothyroxine are you currently taking
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
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
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)
Retest again in another 8 weeks
Private tests are available as NHS currently rarely tests Ft3 or all relevant vitamins
Testing options and includes money off codes for private testing
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/testing/thyro...
Link about Hashimoto’s
thyroiduk.org/hypothyroid-b...
Symptoms of hypothyroidism
thyroiduk.org/signs-and-sym...
Tips on how to do DIY finger prick test
See detailed reply by SeasideSusie
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
Hi I had my blood test done in Jan 2022, after 3rd Covid shot in Oct 2021, for years prior to those Covid Shots my TSH was constant 2.2 or lower. In Jan 2022 it was around 11
so after waiting months to see and ENDO doctor he prescribed first .50mg of LEVO it went down to 3.1 good number then a few months later it went up to 15.86 then to .88mg it went down again to 3.3 then a few months it went up to 18.93 so now I am on .112mg LEVO I have an appt. in Jan 2024 with the ENDO doctor.
As with symptoms I have muscle joint pain legs, anxiety, hair loss, brittle hair, brittle nails, weight gain
Thank you to all replies. My next step seems to get some private tests done.
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