Do I need increase in thyroxine dose?

[Annista]

I have struggled with hypothyroid symptoms all my life (always cold, always hungry, always tired, weight gain etc.) but was always told by my GP that all I needed to do was diet and exercise. Nobody listened to me when I told them that I was already doing that - I suppose it's easier to assume overeating was responsible than take the trouble to investigate what's going on. Anyway, eventually my GP had to admit that I have Hashimoto's and gave me tha minimal dose of thyroxine, which did nothing for my symptoms. I spent the next few years fighting for an increase to a level that would make my life more comfortable and eventually achieved a dose of 100 mcg. However, I still have all the same symptoms and my GP refuses to increase the level because my blood test show that my level is "within normal levels". I take all the recommended supplements, so my vitamin and mineral levels are OK, but I still have to limit the amount I do each day because I run out of energy by about lunchtime. I'm due for a blood test shortly and it occurs to me that if I know the optimal levels that I should be aiming for I will be able to support my request for an increase to my thyroxine or ask for help to find out why I'm always so tired, whichever is appropriate.

Can anybody out there steer me in the right direction?

Many thanks

[Buddy195 Administrator]

So we can offer better advice Annista, can you share blood test results (with ranges in brackets) for:

TSH

FT3

FT4

Plus any antibody and key vitamin tests (ferritin, folate, vitamins D and B12)

If your GP is unable to complete all the above (eg if TSH is within range, some surgeries may not be able to access FT4 and FT3 tests), you could look to do this privately, as many forum members do, for a better picture of your thyroid health:

thyroiduk.org/help-and-supp...

[joey82]

I wouldn't increase your Levothyroxine intake until you have had your blood test. Increasing your thyroxine intake could do more harm than good as it doesn't always mean your will convert more T4 (levo) to T3, which is primarily what the body needs.

A good place to start would be a full thyroid blood panel.

FT4, FT3, TSH, Vit D, B12, Ferratin & Folate.

There is lots of good info out there by the way of reading material, you tube videos and podcasts. If I was to go back 4-5 years I would pick up a book from Thyroid UK and get informed.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

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)

Do you always get same brand levothyroxine at each prescription

Please add actual results and ranges including vitamin results

As you have Hashimoto’s are you on gluten free or dairy free diet

[McPammy]

You should get your T3 tested as well of T4 and TSH. But you have to do this privately. Look up Monitor My Health on line. Order a thyroid test. Then you’ll know for sure if you have enough T3. Normally if T4 is high and T3 low this means you’re a poor converter to T3. T3 is the most important hormone to be symptom free mainly. Many people on here have to do this as NHS is terrible. The only reason they won’t do the T3 test is the cost of the drug to NHS. Privately it’s inexpensive but the NHS it’s expensive. It’s crucial that your t3 level is good.

[Starseed56]

Hi Annista

I agree get a full panel done including T3 as you may be a poor convertor. Your T4 may be within range (be good to know your result) but if your T3 is below or bottom of range then you won’t feel right. I was to,d this for years, only now am I seeing the light and taking control, it’s really important to know the full picture. Good luck 💜