TSH increase

[starbuckslover]

My TSH has increased slightly even though my dose hasn't changed and my T4 is exactly the same. Is this normal?

My TSH is suppressed due to thyroid cancer

My results in August were T4 - 22.5 and TSH 0.13

Now my T4 is 22.5 and TSH 0.45

[GlowCoach Administrator]

It can take quite a few month sbefore TSH really settles into where it will stay on any dose. Often we only give it 6-8 weeks before testing following a dose change but even after that time it can still change.

Please add the reference range for FT4 and TSH.

Have you also tested FT3 which is often missed by the NHS but can be tested privately and is useful to check how well you are converting.

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.

In August your TSH wasn't suppressed, it was below range but not fully suppressed.

What are your latest vitamin results?

What supplements are you taking?

[starbuckslover in reply to GlowCoach]

T4 range - 11-25

TSH range - 0.27 - 4.2

FT3 hasn't been tested

I don't have any vitamin results and I don't currently take any supplements

[GlowCoach Administrator in reply to starbuckslover]

Now that you are reliant on Levo it can leave you with low stomach acid meaning you cant absorb vitamins well from your food.

Its essential to test key vitamins and supplement them to OPTIMAL levels to make your thyroid hormone work well.

Your FT4 is 82% of range and if your TSH is supposed to be suppressed then you need a dose increase.

Start a new post when you have the vitamin results. Your GP may be kind and do them for you but otherwise you really also need to see your FT3 to know if you are converting T4 to T3 and often members need to buy a test privately.

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.

[starbuckslover in reply to GlowCoach]

I was thinking the same that my dose is too low, my TSH is the highest it has been since I had RAI. Just hoping now that my thyroglobulin levels haven't increased.

[GlowCoach Administrator in reply to starbuckslover]

Contact either your Endo or GP and ask about a dose increase.