Hi I have hashimoto's and have had fluctuating levels for about four years. My last test my tsh was 0.08, but t4 was only 12.4 in a range of 10-18. I would expect my t4 to be higher! T3 wasn't even tested. My b12, vit D and folate are mid range.My Dr wants to reduce my thyroxine from 150/125 alternate days to 125.
Ive gained a lot of weight over these years and no one can give me an answer on my results. Can any of you help me understand what's going on please!
Thank you
Welcome to the group. If you could complete your profile it helps members understand your thyroid journey so far and be able to advise you better. Click on your image icon to start. Fill out the free text box at the top.
What time of day are you testing? Highest TSH is at 9am or earlier. TSH varies throught the day.
Rather than mid range or in range vitamins we need them all to be at OPTIMAL levels. Exactly what were your results along with the reference range for each test?
Optimal levels of vitamins help our thyroid hormone to work well and aid conversion of T4 to T3.
Your GP is only looking at TSH which is wrong. Your FT4 is only 30% of range and probably needs to be 70%+ when fully replaced.
Read this link with papers about keeping TSH lower: healthunlocked.com/thyroidu....
Recommend getting some private tests to check if you are converting Levo to T3.
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.
It's ideal if you can always get the same brand of levo at every prescription. You can do this by getting GP to write the brand you prefer in the first line of the prescription. Many people find that different brands are not interchangeable.
Always take Levo on an empty stomach an hour away from food or caffeine containing drinks & other meds. Many people find taking it at bedtime works well for them.
Do you know if you had positive thyroid antibodies? Many with autoimmune thyroid disease aka Hashimoto's benefit from a gluten free diet. A smaller percentage of those also need to remove dairy from their diet to feel well. These are intolerances and will not show up on any blood test.
Do you do tests as per the protocol recommended here? 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.
My b12, vit D and folate are mid range
Please add actual results and ranges
What vitamin supplements are you taking
No ferritin test result?
Never agree to dose reduction just because of low TSH
What time was test done
Recommended that all thyroid blood tests early morning, ideally before 9am, only drink water between waking and test and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test
This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip)
Private tests are available as NHS currently rarely tests Ft3 or all relevant vitamins
Post all about what time of day to test
healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...
Testing options and includes money off codes for private testing
Only do private testing early Monday or Tuesday morning.
Link about thyroid blood tests
thyroiduk.org/testing/thyro...
Tips on how to do DIY finger prick test
support.medichecks.com/hc/e...
Medichecks and BH also offer private blood draw at clinic near you, or private nurse to your own home…..for an extra fee
Randox
FULL thyroid test just £29
Test at home or in clinic
randoxhealth.com/en-GB/at-h...
Clinic locations
randoxhealth.com/en-GB/heal...
Just TSH, Ft4 and Ft3 test - £32
monitormyhealth.org.uk/thyr...
10% off code here
thyroiduk.org/testing/priva...
iron panel test including ferritin
Test early morning, only water to drink between waking and test. Avoid high iron rich dinner night before test
If taking any iron supplements stop 5-7 days before testing
Medichecks iron panel test
My Dr wants to reduce my thyroxine from 150/125 alternate days to 125.
If GP says " I have to reduce your dose because the guidelines say i can't let you have a below range TSH" .....
The first paragraph in the NICE (NHS) Thyroid Disease, Assessment and Management guidelines says :
nice.org.uk/guidance/ng145
"Your responsibility
The recommendations in this guideline represent the view of NICE, arrived at after careful consideration of the evidence available. When exercising their judgement, professionals and practitioners are expected to take this guideline fully into account, alongside the individual needs, preferences and values of their patients or the people using their service. It is not mandatory to apply the recommendations, and the guideline does not override the responsibility to make decisions appropriate to the circumstances of the individual, in consultation with them and their families and carers or guardian. "
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