is it possible…

[JoJoloveschocolate]

is it possible for t4 and tsh levels to change dramatically in 6 weeks?

Six weeks ago I did a medichecks test and my tsh was just within the bottom of the range and my t4 and t3 roughly the same as when I tested before…slight drop. Generally, I’ve felt ok for a few months (been on 75mcg, taken regularly as prescribed, same brands as I always have with no issues, since july last year). I’ve always thought 75mcg would end up not being enough in the long run, but in the last week I’ve fallen off a cliff with symptoms - pain in both elbows, pain in upper back between shoulders, low back pain and weakness in thighs, fatigue in overdrive again, turned into a miserable gollum-type creature that wants to alone at home in my cave all the time, cried for no reason when I was out shopping, can’t be arsed with drama, tinnitus creeping back and raynauds started up again. These all feel like hypo symptoms to me. Daft question as always - but is it possible for bloods to change rapidly in six weeks? I’m also a bit worried that my t4 and t3 will be dropping, but my stupid lazy tsh will be lolling happily at the bottom of the range….or there might be a lag between bloods and symptoms.

I’ve got a mmh kit for tsh, t3 and t4 that I plan to do straight after Easter to check before I go to the gp…would rather have a bit of an idea of what I’m up against.

J. xx

[SlowDragon Administrator]

important to maintain GOOD vitamin levels as well

What vitamin supplements are you taking

[JoJoloveschocolate in reply to SlowDragon]

Hi SD, I’m using the better you vit d and k spray, my b12, folate levels were pretty good last blood test. Ferritin low, still trying to improve with diet before checking again in a few months. Vit d I think was around 80 last time so have upped the spray a tad. I’ve also gone gluten free which has massively helped all my issues wind trapped with, ibs and cramps. I also lost half a stone but my weight has now started to slowly creep up again for no reason that I can tell.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to JoJoloveschocolate]

Excellent that GF is helping so much

Are you supplementing any magnesium?

[JoJoloveschocolate in reply to SlowDragon]

I tried magnesium tablets (they are still in the cupboard) but they seemed to upset my stomach. I’ve started using ground flaxseed on my gf cereal which I think has some magnesium in.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Very helpful profile 👏👍

Medichecks done in January - still shows slightly under range tsh,

t3 has increased to 4.2, and t4 is holding steady at the moment at 17 (12-22). Although I do think this will fall again over time.

TGAB increased again - gone up to over 300 now. TPO also increased slightly but still remains within range.

Ft4 only 50% through range so yes likely to need increase in dose Levo

Perhaps 100mcg and 75mcg alternate days initially

How’s the GFree diet going?

[JoJoloveschocolate in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you SD. I’m hoping that my mmh test will show a tsh and t4 that actually reflects how i feel then there won’t be too much of a battle for an increase with the gp.

[helvella Administrator]

Bloods most certainly can change inside six weeks.

Six weeks has become a bit of a mantra but it really means that after a modest change (such as increase of reduction in dose), the effects on bloods will have stabilised in that sort of time.

But the initial effects can be seen very quickly. And for more major changes, they definitely start more quickly.

Make sure you keep all packaging so that you can do a Yellow Card report if you think the actual tablets have been sub-potent. Indeed, can you get a new prescription while you still have some tablets left? That always helps MHRA, etc., to investigate.

You absolutely have to determine whether it is you or the tablets which have changed - as soon as practicable.

[JoJoloveschocolate in reply to helvella]

Oh…I didn’t realise the tablets could be sub-potent! I actually have just ordered a new levo prescription today.

[helvella Administrator in reply to JoJoloveschocolate]

The official limits for potency for levothyroxine, in the UK, is 90 to 105%. And that applies from manufacture to expiry date.

We'd hope real world tablets don't vary that much - if they do it indicates many questions about the product! But if something is wrong...

Quite a number of us had problems many years ago (around 2012) when a particular make failed to deliver its claimed dose. Technically, they were not sub-potent because they had the right amount of levothyroxine, but an unauthorised change to an ingredient meant people could not absorb the full dose.

[JoJoloveschocolate in reply to helvella]

Thanks, Helvella for the info!