TSH & FT4 Levels

[Shane13]

As a rule of thumb, should I aim to keep my TSH as low as possible and my FT4 as high as possible within the acceptable parameters ?

[TiggerMe]

Very generally TSH around 1 and fT4 around 70-80% if on Levo and then it's about how well you convert to fT3 which should be just below your fT4 level

[TiggerMe in reply to TiggerMe]

Really the more important level is your fT3

[Shane13 in reply to TiggerMe]

They never test for it 🙄

[Shane13 in reply to TiggerMe]

These were my last test results.

TSH: 2.66 mU/l (Range 0.38 - 5.33) 46.06%

FT4: 16.3 pmol/l (Range 11.5 - 22.7) 42.86%

I explained to the GP I was starting to get all the usual symptoms that would suggest my levels were low and I had to have a heated discussion to get my Dose increased as the levels are "within acceptable parameters".

It wasn't until he asked another GP for a second opinion and that GP agreeing with me that he agreed to do it.

[TiggerMe in reply to Shane13]

Hmmm you've got a duff GP there perhaps try and switch to the other better informed one if you can next time?

So worth sticking with the new dose for 8 weeks and then get your own finger prick kit from Monitor My Health or Randox so that you can see how well you are converting... chances are you will need a further increase

[Shane13 in reply to TiggerMe]

He's booked me a TSH & FT4 Blood test in 4 weeks but I'll get a kit myself to keep an eye on it, cheers.

[TiggerMe in reply to Shane13]

4 weeks is too soon as it won't have settled by then, we always say 6-8 weeks so it might give you a falsely higher reading... make sure it's and early morning test, fasted, water only pre-9am (When TSH is at it's peak) and don't take your levo before for 24 hours 🤗 best to hide your tablets the day before so autopilot doesn't trip you up

[Shane13 in reply to TiggerMe]

I'll rearrange the blood test, I'm hoping the fog, fatigue aches and strength improves, then I'll know I'm on the right track 🤔