Hypothyroid to Hyperthyroid??

[NanaFifi]

Hi all, I’m hoping someone here might be able to cast some light on what’s happening to me at the moment.

I have been hypothyroid for the last 37 years and have been on 100mcg all that time, never any problems. However, my last routine checkup my blood tests came back and one of them was 64.4 just about the top of the scale (65) Doctor thought it was a mistake so repeated the bloods, same result. Called me up and asked me how I was feeling? Had I lost any weight unexpectedly? No. Was I having palpitations? No. I was having a problem with my bowels but other than that, nothing. I was away at the time and as soon as I returned home I had an ECG and thankfully my heart is fine.

My doctor contacted the Endocrinologist who suggested I cut my thyroxine dose in half. After 4 weeks on 50mg my bloods were done again but no difference.

I’m feeling fine although my bowels are still a bit off, they’re better than they were. At least my bum doesn’t leak anymore 🙈 ( Doc says because I have too much thyroid hormone in my system my poo is travelling through my gut too fast to form properly.)

How can this be and what on earth can be causing this very high reading? Everyone is puzzled by it and I’m now waiting to see an endocrinologist.

Has this happened to anyone in the group?

[PurpleNails Administrator]

You must find out what was out of range. A results without knowing what it is & what the exact lab ranges is it meaningless.

Ask for copy of blood test results. With lab range (ranges vary between lab).

Adjustments should usually be by maximum of 25mcg per day. It can be too much otherwise. but it does sound like you were over replaced & the the drop might be benefiting you.

Do you take any supplements? Ones containing biotin can skew blood test results.

Recommend that thyroid blood test be taken early in morning, delay replacement after draw & fast overnight. Cease biotin supplements 3/7 prior to test.

[NanaFifi in reply to PurpleNails]

I don’t take any supplements that would interfere with my thyroid function. My meds have been looked at by the Practice Pharmacist and there's nothing that would affect thyroid function there either. Absolutely no changes in meds/when and how I take my meds or lifestyle which is why it’s so puzzling.

I will ring my GP practice later today and ask for details.

[Marz]

Do you have copies of earlier results ?You are taking many medications - is it possible they are affecting your results ?

[NanaFifi in reply to Marz]

I don’t have copies of results, there’s never been a problem in all the 37 years I’ve been taking thyroxine. I take a lot of other drugs for my RA, & Lupus but nothing new and no change in doses. My meds have been looked at by Practice pharmacist and there’s nothing that would affect my thyroid.

I’m going to ring surgery this afternoon and ask for a detailed run down of the results.

[Marz in reply to NanaFifi]

Often advised here to request hard copies of your results - to which you are legally entitled. Mistakes can be made over the phone !

[NanaFifi]

Spoke to GP and the anomaly is with regard to my Serum Free T4 level. When I had my annual bloods done last year the result was normal at 12.7 - similar to previous years. This year it was 64.4!

Waiting for appointment with Endocrinologist now.