TSH level

[Bridkid67]

Hi i am 50mcg of levothyroxine for about a year had a blood test last Thursday at 1pm only time they could fit me in they also tested vitamin D and blood sugar TSH came back 2.8 Vitamin D 126 and blood sugar within range any suggestions thanks .

[Jaydee1507 Administrator]

You had some very good advice in a previous post about getting private blood tests run. healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

50mcgs is just a starter dose.

Your TSH is over 2 still and most people feel well when their TSH is at 1 or just below.

Insist on a dose increase.

Your Vit D level is good.

Can you gt B12, folate & ferritin tested?

Private tests are available, see link for companies offering private blood tests & discount codes, some offer a blood draw service at an extra cost.thyroiduk.org/testing/priva...

There is also a new company offering walk in& mail order blood tests in London, Kent, Sussex & Surrey areas. Check to see if there is a blood test company near you. onedaytests.com/products/ul...

Only do private tests on a Monday or Tuesday to avoid postal delays.

Always book blood tests for 9am when TSH is highest.

Recommended blood test protocol: Test at 9am (or as close as possible), fasting, last levo dose 24hrs before the blood draw, last T3 dose 8-12 hours before blood draw & no biotin containing supplements for 3-7 days (Biotin can interfere with thyroid blood results as it is used in the testing process)?

Testing like this gives consistency in your results and will show stable blood levels of hormone and highest TSH which varies throughout the day. Taking Levo/T3 just prior to blood draw can show a falsely elevated result and your GP/Endo might change your dose incorrectly as a result.

[Bridkid67 in reply to Jaydee1507]

Thank i will get a private test i think Spoke to my Dr a couple of weeks ago and even he said my TSH level should be below 1 when on levothyroxine so i dont know they have said no further action etc unless the report went back to another Dr at my practice and he interpreted differently?

[Jaydee1507 Administrator in reply to Bridkid67]

The lab almost always say 'no further action' if your result is within range.

This is where you need to pick up the reins and start taking charge of your treatment.

Make an appointment or ask to speak to the GP who said TSH needs to be under 1 and insist politley on a dose increase of 25mcgs.

Its up to you to help yourself get well, a GP won't automatically do it for you.

[Bridkid67 in reply to Jaydee1507]

I understand all that but what happens if my Dr refuses to increase my dose i cannot legally or morally force him ? also trying to get an appointment or phone call is impossible for some just glad my Drs is pretty good at getting to see them .

[Jaydee1507 Administrator in reply to Bridkid67]

I think its very difficult getting a GP appointment everywhere around the country. Its a matter of learning how to use the system now it is in the terrible state that it is.

You should also point out the NICE guidelines where it talks about dosing by weight as a starter dose. The calculation is 1.6 x body weight in kilos = final dose.

nice.org.uk/guidance/ng145

This is not a precise way to guage your dose but is at least a guide and I'm sure your final dose will be nowhere near 50mcgs Levo.

You need to be persistent, so if one GP refuses then try the next. Do not give up asking! Its the squeaky wheel that gets oiled.