lower levothyroxine

[Loopyloo243]

I had a blood test done in October 2023 it came back with my TSH at 0.01 (range 0.27-4.2) and my T4 was 17.9 (range 12-22) so the doctor reduced my Levothyroxine from 75mcg to 50mcg one day and 75mcg the next. In January 2024 I had another blood test done, unfortunately they didnt do my T4 even though it was requested, and my TSH had gone up to 1.69 and the doctor has reduced my tablets to 50mcg daily.

I did explain that I like my TSH at about 1 as this seems to suit me as I have Hashimotos, so my question is should she have reduced my Levothyroxine.

[greygoose]

my TSH had gone up to 1.69 and the doctor has reduced my tablets to 50mcg daily.

That is insane. 1.69 is far too high for someone on thyroid hormone replacement. Your dose didn't need reducing the first time, so it certainly didn't the second. Where does she want your TSH to be for goodness sake?!?

No, you shouldn't just sit back and let that happen. Say no! I don't want to reduce my dose. She is not there to dictate to you - especially as she doesn't have a clue what she's doing! - she's there to advise you. But you are not obliged to do what she advises. She is going to make you very, very ill that way. She shouldn't be dosing by the TSH in the first place. Can you see someone else with a little more common sense?

[Loopyloo243 in reply to greygoose]

Many thanks for the reply, I did ask to go back onto 75mcg but she flatly rerused this request, I dont know what to say to these doctors to get my dose increased, Im a 74 yr old woman who feels she is being experimented on by a doctor who seems to have limited experience on Hashimotos

[greygoose in reply to Loopyloo243]

She appears to have little experience and knowledge of thyroid full stop. But, asking nicely doesn't get you anywhere. Tell you you want to go back to your original dose now, or you will buy your own T4 and self-treat. You cannot live like that, whatever your age. I'm 78 and I'd like to see the doctor that would try and reduce my dose based on my TSH! You have rights, exploit them.

[Loopyloo243 in reply to greygoose]

Many thanks I shall ring the doctors tomorrow and I`ll let you know how I get on

[greygoose in reply to Loopyloo243]

OK Good luck!

[Loopyloo243 in reply to greygoose]

Sorry it's been 2 months since my comments but having had a row with 2 of my doctors I have finally got round to having a blood test with Medicheck and the results are as follows. TSH 3. 3 (0.27-4.4)T4 14.1(12-22)

T3 3.2 (3.1-6.8)

I'm taking Vit D and B12 supplements.

At the moment I am feeling OK, but what do you think to the results as I have Hashimoto's

[greygoose in reply to Loopyloo243]

Having Hashi's is irrelevant to these results. You are under-medicated. TSH too high, FT4 too low, FT3 much too low!

[Loopyloo243 in reply to greygoose]

OK thanks I've got an NHS blood test on 8th April then the doctor will speak to me I hope but who knows

[greygoose in reply to Loopyloo243]

Well, you absolutely need an increase in dose. You must be feeling awful with those results.

[Loopyloo243 in reply to greygoose]

I finally got a face to face with a different dr at last and hooray he has put my dose back up to 75mcg with another blood test in 8 weeks, he said he likes to go on symptoms and not just test results. It makes me feel so much better not having to battle to get the right dose.

[greygoose in reply to Loopyloo243]

That's great to hear. Well done, you!

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Loopyloo243]

INSIST politely on FULL thyroid and vitamin testing

Bloods should be retested 6-8 weeks after each dose change or brand change in levothyroxine

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 tested

Very important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 at least once year minimum

What vitamin supplements are you taking

Low vitamin levels are extremely common when hypothyroid, especially with autoimmune thyroid disease

also more common as we get older

And/or when under medicated as you likely are

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

thyroiduk.org/testing/

Medichecks Thyroid plus BOTH TPO and TG antibodies and vitamins

medichecks.com/products/adv...

Blue Horizon Thyroid Premium Gold includes BOTH TPO and TG 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

support.medichecks.com/hc/e...

Medichecks and BH also offer private blood draw at clinic near you, or private nurse to your own home…..for an extra fee

[RockyPath]

Sorry that your doctor is loopy, Loopyloo243. So sad there are so many of them out there. Your support network here is far more qualified than the nut in the office. Listen to SlowDragon and greygoose.