New thyroid results

[zipiandbungle]

Hello I've just had my new blood test results and they say they're abnormal. I've felt absolutely rubbish the last few weeks . The Dr upped my dose to 200 from 175...

Can you look at my results and tell me what they mean ?

[PurpleNails Administrator]

Zipi

I have removed the image as it included the drs name. & possibly other personal information (I couldn’t zoom in & read). I’ll add the pertinent results as a further reply.

[zipiandbungle in reply to PurpleNails]

Thank you sorry I didn't check !!

[PurpleNails Administrator]

Serum free T4 level 19.9 pmol/L [9.0 - 25.0]

Serum TSH level 6.1 miu/L [0.3 - 5.0];

[PurpleNails Administrator]

I see you been a member many years, but this it your first post. So welcome if you haven’t had a welcome before.

Are you saying you’ve felt worse since increase? Or did you have symptoms prior?

How long have you been hypothyroid? Has replacement been increased gradually? Usually starting dose is 50mcg & increases are by 25mcg each time.

Retest should be arrange 6 - 8 weeks after new dose to check levels.

Do you always have the same brand?

200mcg is on the higher end of dose levels but you need what you need, are you male/female? Those who are active often need higher levels of levo too.

The over range TSH shows you do require an increase. The Thyroid stimulating hormone is a chemical signal from pituitary. It rises in an attempt to make thyroid work harder & rise FT4 (& FT3).

As you are hypothyroid you can’t produce more - you are reliant on Levo.

Most feel best when TSH is around 1. FT4 in top third of range & FT3 is at least 50% of range. FT3 is the active thyroid hormone, many say the symptoms mostly stem from this level.

Unfortunately NHS rarely test FT3 and often rely on TSH levels to adjust levo.

Your FT4 looks ok as in top 3rd of range

FT4: 19.9 pmol/l (Range 9 - 25) 68.12%

It might be your FT3 is poor, but without testing no one can be certain. Increasing levo will also raise FT3.

Levo works well if nutrients are optimal. Folate, ferritin, B12 & Vitamin D. This can help convert to sufficient levels of FT3.

Many use private companies to complete a full test & obtain a complete picture in 1 go.

Private testing:

Order a kit online, sample can be taken by fingerprick test, (extra fee for clinic visit / home visit venous draw) sample posted back & results available online often very quickly. (Best to post early in week)

Sample recommended to be taken at 09.00 fast overnight, avoid biotin 3 days before test. Delay replacement dose until after draw.

See link for private companies with discounts with many packages & options.

thyroiduk.org/testing/priva...

Medichecks thyroid advanced is as good option.

[zipiandbungle]

Hello, thanks so much for taking the time to respond.I joined when I was diagnosed 10 years ago to have a nose!

I'm female and 56...

I've felt worse after the increase.. BUT I was feeling like this before...but it's definitely got worse.

I feel like I have a constant hangover/ headache...it's awful.

[zipiandbungle in reply to zipiandbungle]

Oh I started off on a very low dose that has gradually increased over the years

[McPammy]

I’d suggest you need to check your T3 levels alongside T4 and TSH. You need to find out how much you’re converting from T4 levo to the most important hormone T3. If your T3 is low and T4 high this indicates your a poor converter. If you are a poor converter you’ll need to add T3 Liothyronine medication to your daily routine. But unfortunately the NHS are very reluctant to test and prescribe T3. This is due to high costs to the NHS but privately T3 can be purchased inexpensively. I pay £120 for a years supply from a pharmacy in London. I’m also under a private only endocrinologist that is pro T3. Also remember that as you’ve increased your levothyroxine recently you could be going over range over medicated which also causes symptoms. Over and under medicated often gives similar symptoms. So it’s good to check your bloods with taking your meds aswell as not taking your meds so you know how high and how low your meds are going. I do both to stay in range and finding my sweet spot. A TSH of about 1.00 is normally a good figure to aim for. But to achieve that your T4 shouldn’t be over range with meds and your T3 about 50% without meds, with meds never over range. It’s all about balancing your T4 and T3 hormones and keeping it that way. T4 just sits in your body waiting to be converted to the magic T3 hormone. You could even try splitting your T4 levo dose half morning and half afternoon to see if that may help you. But do get your T3 checked. Monitor my health on line does it for a low amount of money. Best check to get your health back.