feel very tired aches and pains in legs hips .

[judybrowneyes]

Test result Reference range Units

TSH –

Percentage through reference range: 73.79%

TSH: 3.17 3.17mU/l (Range 0.27 - 4.2) 73.79% Copy

FT4 –

Percentage through reference range: 59.79%

FT4: 17.7 17.7pmol/l (Range 11.9 - 21.6) 59.79% Copy

FT3 –

Percentage through reference range:

on 75mg thyroxine also atrial fibrillation ( paraximol ) lymphodema/ lipodema . Arthritis

Any thoughts in results ? I did not know you should have tests before thyroxine meds in morning .

[Jaydee1507 Administrator]

Your TSH of 3.17 is far too high for someone on Levo. 75mcgs is just one step up from a starter dose. Your GP is only partially treating you.

Suggest you insist on a dose increase and begin to take charge of driving your own treatment and leading your GP. If one GP refuses then try a different one, don't give up.

Inform GP about the NICE guidelines that suggest a dose by weight: 1.6 x weight in kilos = suggested approximate final dose of Levo.

nice.org.uk/guidance/ng145

As you're clearly on not enough Levo taking Levo prior to test isnt as critical but now you know then always test as per the recommended protocol. These are things that your GP or nurse will have no clue about, they are patient to patient tips.

Recommended blood test protocol: Test at 9am (or as close as possible), fasting, last levo dose 24hrs before the 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.

Have you tested your vitamin levels yet?

When hypo we get low stomach acid which means we cannot absorb vitamins well from our food, regardless of a great diet. For thyroid hormone to work well we need OPTIMAL levels of vitamins. Have you recently or could you ask your GP to test levels of ferritin, folate, B12 & D3? 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.

[judybrowneyes in reply to Jaydee1507]

thank you so much Jaydee I really appreciate your advise here felt something. Was off for awhile just put it down to getting older lol. I did have sone vitamin tests. Here results

Serum vitamin B12:

900 ng/L

Normal range:

160 to 925

Your result

900

160

925

Serum vitamin B12:

900 ng/L

Normal range:

160 to 925

Your result

900

160

925

View test result history

Serum folate:

8.4 ug/L

Normal range:

2.9 to 50

Your result

8.4

be interested in what you think Many thanks and Happy Easter !

[Jaydee1507 Administrator in reply to judybrowneyes]

Your TSH likely needs to be just below 1.

No ferritin result.

NHS easy postal kit vitamin D test £31 via

vitamindtest.org.uk

We need ALL key vitamins to be OPTIMAL.

Folate isn't optimal, B12 is OK but its a serum B12 test as opposed to active B12.

I'd recommend a good methyl B complex which will take care of both folate and B12. Some suggestions:

Slightly cheaper options with inactive B6:

amazon.co.uk/Liposomal-Soft...

Contains B6 as P5P an active form:

bigvits.co.uk/thorne-resear...

healf.com/products/basic-b-...

Explanation about the different forms of B6:

helvella.blogspot.com/p/hel...

B complex comparison spreadsheet:

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

Happy Easter!

[judybrowneyes]

Jaydee. Thank you so

Much I will certainly follow up on. Your suggestions . Really appreciate you taking the time to reply. !!

[Brightness14]

I know nothing of vitamins and minerals, but having no thyroid and the same pains as you, mine is always low FT3. When my levels are good the pains are gone.