My sis newly diagnosed and prescribed 75 mcg Levo but GP refuses to test free T4 or antibodies.

[Hoxo]

Hi my sister has had TSH result of 5.3 (0.3-3) and has symptoms and been prescribed 75 mcg Levothyroxine.

GP refuses to test for free T4 or antibodies.

I don’t think she should take the tablets until she has a baseline free T4 tested and antibodies. What you think?

[Jazzw]

What’s your thinking?

She’s actually incredibly fortunate to have a physician who will prescribe with a TSH in that sort of zone. If she has thyroid antibodies, taking the medication won’t make any difference—they’ll still show up when tested later.

[Hoxo in reply to Jazzw]

I guess I think she really needs a baseline free T4 before she starts hormones.

[Stourie in reply to Hoxo]

Where does she want her t4 to be before she starts her levo? Jo

[Hoxo in reply to Stourie]

Sorry I don’t really understand what you mean by this question. I think she needs a reading to see what her free T4 is together with the raised TSH result she already has to see whether her free T4 is below the reference range or not. Once she starts Levothyroxine she will never know whether she had hypothyroidism or sub clinical hypothyroidism.

[Jaydee1507 Administrator]

Agreed it would be nice to see an FT4 but its not even the GPs that don't tests FT4 (or FT3) its the labs themselves that refuse even if requested.

Its probably more important for her to ask GP to test ferritin, folate, Vit D & B12. Get her to set up an account as its far easier to deal directly with her here rather than through a third party. She can then post results and answer questions with ease.

Antibodies are a minor detail in the scale of things but GP should test them once at least. Its probably better to test them privately anyway as then he can also test Tg antibodies which the NHS doesnt even offer.

[Hoxo]

I’ve sent her a link to Medichecks to get a full test done with antibodies B12 iron and folate before she starts on the Levo.

[janeroar]

I agree I would want a fuller picture before starting on meds. I would want to know what I have before taking Levothyroxine. There’s some evidence that selenium is good for reducing thyroid antibodies in the early stages of Hashimotos. Isabella Wentz is a good source of information. She also has a good diet regime for autoimmune thyroid disease though it would probably benefit anyone with autoimmune issues. Going strictly gluten free benefits people with thyroid disease hugely.

thyroidpharmacist.com/artic...

Having said all the above I would also say from personal experience that holding off for years not taking Levothyroxine hoping I would be able to cure my Hashimotos through diet and vitamins that this was a mistake. I’ve had symptoms since I was a child and I was too far advanced in the disease for diet to be enough to make a significant difference. If your sister had been in good health until now maybe some of the suggestions on Isabella Wentz ‘s site will help stop the advance of the autoimmune attacks on her thyroid but it might be she will need levo. The good thing is she doesn’t have to battle her GP to get it.