Blood Test

[CarolMSM]

Hi can anyone tell me if i need more levothyroxine from my recent blood test..seeing the doctor next Monday. Thanks

[Jaydee1507 Administrator]

I can only see a TSH result which is completely useless for anyone to know the full picture of your thyroid replacement.

Suggest you get a private test for TSH, FT4 & FT3, also key vitamins 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.

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, last T3 dose 8-12 hours before 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.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Only a month ago you posted

I’ve recently been told to reduce my meds from 100 mcg one night and 75 mcg the next down to 75 mcg every night.

Too soon to retest

It takes at least 6-8 weeks for TSH to respond

And more like 10-12 weeks to respond to dose REDUCTION

Just testing TSH tells you absolutely nothing

Post from 3 months ago

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

Shows negative TPO antibodies

Significant minority of Hashimoto’s patients only have high TG antibodies (thyroglobulin)

20% of autoimmune thyroid patients never have high thyroid antibodies and ultrasound scan of thyroid can get diagnosis

You need to test TG antibodies privately as NHS won’t test TG antibodies unless TPO are high

The fact you are gluten intolerant suggests your hypothyroidism is autoimmune (and your sister is hypo)

Absolutely ESSENTIAL to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12

Has GP tested these

Low vitamin levels are extremely common when hypothyroid, especially with autoimmune thyroid disease

Lower vitamin levels more common as we get older

For good conversion of Ft4 (levothyroxine) to Ft3 (active hormone) we must maintain GOOD vitamin levels

What vitamin supplements are you taking

VERY important to test TSH, Ft4 and Ft3 together

You need to stick on same dose and brand minimum 8-10 weeks and then retest

ALWAYS test early morning, ideally before 9am, only drinking water between waking and test and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test

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

thyroiduk.org/testing/

Medichecks Thyroid plus BOTH TPO and TG antibodies and vitamins

medichecks.com/products/adv...

Blue Horizon Thyroid Premium Gold includes BOTH TPO and TG antibodies, cortisol and vitamins

bluehorizonbloodtests.co.uk...

Medichecks and BH also offer private blood draw at clinic near you, or private nurse to your own home…..for an extra fee

Only do private testing early Monday or Tuesday morning.

Tips on how to do DIY finger prick test

support.medichecks.com/hc/e...

come back with new post once you get results