Private test results - talking to GP

[FredDarling]

Hello, any advice much appreciated!

I have just had the following test results back from Medichecks and have a doctors appt in a couple of weeks. From the research I've done I think that my TSH should be lower than this as I have hypothyroid and am currently taking 75mg levothyroxine. Is that correct?

TSH - 3.08 mIU/L

Free T3 - 3.8 pmol/L

Free Thyroxine - 14.5 pmol/L

Does anyone have any tips on how to approach the GP about trying a higher dose, as supposedly these are within normal range but I am still having a lot of symptoms.

Thank you!

[PurpleNails Administrator]

Theres a whole bunch of references here explaining TSH should be in lower part of reference range. Some articles are from GP magazines.

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

The other important factor is how you feel. If symptoms aren’t resolved you aren’t sufficiently replaced. The doctors goal should be to make you well.

Lab ranges very so always include them. The FT4 & FT3 appear very low.

Was the test sample taken early in morning (09.00) this is when TSH is highest.

Did you delay levo until after sample drawn? Taking levo prior to sample can show a higher daily level.

How long have you been on 75mcg? It’s a low replacement dose 1 step from starter dose.

Have you tested nutrients (folate, ferritin, B12 & vitamin D)? or currently take any supplements?

[FredDarling in reply to PurpleNails]

Thanks so much for getting back to me, I will look at those articles.

I took the test at 9am before eating but I did take my levo tablet without thinking beforehand. I do take some B vitamins though including Biotin and had stopped that a couple of days before as I know it can interfere. Blood tests tend to come back normal for deficiencies.

I've been on 75 for a while now, probably a year or more.

These were the ranges -

TSH - 3.08 mIU/L (0.27-4.2)

Free T3 - 3.8 pmol/L (3.1-6.8)

Free Thyroxine - 14.5 pmol/L (12-22)

[PurpleNails Administrator in reply to FredDarling]

FT4 could well be below range if not taken dose prior to test. Most feel well with FT4 in top third of range. Ask GP of you can increase by 25mcg & retest after 6 weeks.

Optimal nutrients are usually over 50% of range. Any where in range is not same. Optimal nutrients help T4 convert to good FT3 levels.

[FredDarling in reply to PurpleNails]

Thanks, that’s good to know 🙂really appreciate your help

[serenfach]

I have found it useful to say "As you know, doctor, my TSH should be below 1".

He may not know, but will be too proud to say so!

[1tuppence in reply to serenfach]

I did something similar when talking to my GP about thyroid hormones... "As you know, T4 needs to convert into the active T3 etc" To give him credit, he admitted he didn't know much about T3.