Hi, I was told I was I had Subclinical hypothyroidism in 2017 but was not significant so no further input. Unsure of exact results but TSH was raised, but <10 with normal T4 (but do not have a copy of the results). Past few years have noticed hair loss, muscle aches & pains, tiredness, some weight gain despite trying hard to loose weight, alcohol intolerance, but symptoms getting worse last 3-6 months. Went into surgical menopause in 2018 and been on HRT since. I am now 54 and have put all my symptoms down to the menopause, but thinking now maybe not.
I have now had repeat bloods done TSH 6.84 (0.38-5.33) Free T4 9.3 (7.9-14.4)
CRP, Rheumatoid factor, bone profile, U&E’s, LFT’s, FBC, HbA1c are all normal.
I have a follow up to discuss my TFT’s next week. Any advice to other blood tests I may benefit from, or if a trial of medication would be worth exploring. Thanks for any help.
Written by
bluepenguin
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Even if we frequently start on only 50mcg, most people need to increase levothyroxine dose slowly upwards in 25mcg steps (retesting 6-8 weeks after each increase) until eventually on, or near full replacement dose
In the majority of patients 50-100 μg thyroxine can be used as the starting dose. Alterations in dose are achieved by using 25-50 μg increments and adequacy of the new dose can be confirmed by repeat measurement of TSH after 2-3 months.
The majority of patients will be clinically euthyroid with a ‘normal’ TSH and having thyroxine replacement in the range 75-150 μg/day (1.6ug/Kg on average).
The recommended approach is to titrate thyroxine therapy against the TSH concentration whilst assessing clinical well-being. The target is a serum TSH within the reference range.
……The primary target of thyroxine replacement therapy is to make the patient feel well and to achieve a serum TSH that is within the reference range. The corresponding FT4 will be within or slightly above its reference range.
The minimum period to achieve stable concentrations after a change in dose of thyroxine is two months and thyroid function tests should not normally be requested before this period has elapsed.
TSH should be under 2 as an absolute maximum when on levothyroxine
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.