thyroid and high blood pressure

[Jillyb15]

Hi all

So have been struggling to get a GP appointment to discuss my Thyroid meds.

After MUCH sulking from me my medication was reduced to 75mcg from 100. Although I managed to hold out for 100 whilst I was on holiday- feel not so good so have been trying to get my meds reinstated. This since end December. So at last I have an appointment face to face with the doc and the Asthma Nurse who I saw earlier this week arranged for me to have a general check up with the nurse.

My blood pressure is extremely high and I’ve had a doctor’s assistant phone me this afternoon apologising profusely how I shouldn’t have been allowed out of the surgery without having an ecg and my eyes looked at as I said I get occasional head aches. So I’m trying not to panic!

I’ll offer my last three thyroid blood results. All taken at or before 9 am, I do however have a cup of coffee before I go as that was what I did before I found out I shouldn’t but have stayed consistent, and 24 hours after my last Levo.

Collected: 19 Dec 2024

Received: 19 Dec 2024

Thyroid function test

Serum TSH level 1.89 mu/L [0.35 - 4.94]

Serum free T4 level 12.1 pmol/L [9.0 - 19.1

_—————————-_—————

Collected: 07 Jul 2023

Received: 07 Jul 2023

Provider Sample ID: 2360975276_SST

Serum TSH level 0.08 mu/L [0.35 - 4.94]; Below low reference limit

FT3

Serum free triiodothyronine level 3.9 pmol/L [2.4 - 6.0]

Free Thyroxine

Serum free T4 level 13.0 pmol/L [9.0 - 19.1]

_————————————————————-

21 December 2021

Serum TSH level 0.04 mu/L [0.35 - 4.94]; TSH reference range updated as of 14/10/21; Below low reference limit

Free Thyroxine

Serum free T4 level 15.1 pmol/L [7.5 - 21.1]

FT3

Serum free triiodothyronine level 3.6 pmol/L [3.8 - 6.0]; Below low reference limit

I just about managed to hang on in 2021 to 100mcg but not last July, and I laid low in 2022 so I didn’t have to have the argument.

I take vitamin D Betteryou spray with vit k but that’s all I take.

Any thoughts?

Jill

[TiggerMe]

The usual issue where they look at pituitary (TSH) results and not your actual thyroid hormone levels fT3 & 4 which are very low and always have been!!

TSH 1.89 mIU/L (0.35 - 4.94) 33.6%

Free T4 (fT4) 12.1 pmol/L (9 - 19.1) 30.7%

Perhaps if you ask them to explain why they do this or ask them to investigate your pituitary function?

You really need to get back up to 100mcg and even then you could do with a little T3 judging by your old results

[Jillyb15 in reply to TiggerMe]

Thanks your swift response. Yes I’m going to have to try to persuade them to put me back where I was. See if I get retested they’ll up it again in a few weeks. And pigs might fly!

[TiggerMe in reply to Jillyb15]

Sometimes using the word 'trial' makes them give in but once you get it back absolutely refuse to ever lower your dose again

Looking back 2 years your cholesterol was at 6.7 which is another red flag that you were under replaced and you were on 100mcg then!

So if they start talking statins absolutely refuse and push for more levo 🤗

[Marz]

How are your levels of B12 - Folate - Ferritin - VitD ? Good levels are needed to enhance the conversion of T4 into the ACTIVE hormone T3.

Low iron can sometimes cause increased BP - when the heart beats faster having detected low levels of oxygen being transported by the decreased iron levels..

[Jillyb15 in reply to Marz]

Thanks your response. I’m not sure about my vitamin levels haven’t tested them for ages, so I should get that checked out.

[Marz in reply to Jillyb15]

Sadly the tests are not routinely carried out and need to be requested or done privately.

Are you taking any supplements ? Any other medications ?

[humanbean]

I wrote a post for another member on things that might help to lower blood pressure. You might find it of interest :

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

[Brightness14]

Often when in the Doctor's surgery BP can increase a lot.

Mine started to go higher last year I take Hawthorn extract which has brought it back to the normal level now. Low FT3 can easily increase BP as well it could be that.