High TSH result… my fault?

[Wagamama]

Hey guys,

just had my routine results back today and my TSH is high (but T3 ok…) but wondering if that is my fault…?

Serum TSH level 5.71 mIU/L [0.27 - 4.2]; Above high reference limit

Serum free T4 level 15.0 pmol/L [12.0 - 22.0]

I think the day before I went for my test I forgot to take my Levo completely (didn’t even think about it before I went for the test)…. Would that affect the results THAT much?

Wondering if I should go back and repeat the test before the dr starts suggesting I up my dose…?

What do you think..? 🤔

Thanks all x

[Cake-Maker]

I think you should do just that! 😉

[Sparklingsunshine]

In all honesty I doubt forgetting one dose of Levo would affect your TSH. TSH is pretty slow to move, and can take weeks or months to shift, unlike FT4 and FT3. If your TSH is that high it indicates you are undermedicated and need an increase.

[Jazzw]

What was your FT3 result? You’ve given FT4 which is on the lower side…

[Wagamama in reply to Jazzw]

They didn’t/don’t test for that unfortunately…. X

[Jazzw in reply to Wagamama]

The chances are you are undermedicated—it certainly looks that way.

[Wagamama in reply to Jazzw]

That’s a shame. I’ve been on the same dose for years… strange how it’s suddenly changed… 🤔

[BB001 in reply to Wagamama]

My need for thyroid hormone increases in the winter. I used to need 25mcg extra levothyroxine. To put your mind at rest, you could come clean to your GP about possibly forgetting a dose the day before and ask for a retest to verify. However, i too think TSH wouldn't have changed that quickly, it is usually recommended that you wait 6-8 weeks after a dose change before re-testing, so a day is not significant.

[Anthea55]

Make sure you don't take biotin near a blood test; it is often used in the testing process and can produce false results.

[Wagamama in reply to Anthea55]

Thanks, yeah I don’t take that… (had to look it up to see what it was… 😁)

[SlowDragon Administrator]

no forgetting one dose Levo won’t affect TSH

How much levothyroxine are you taking

Free T4 (fT4) 15 pmol/L (12 - 22)

Ft4 only  30.0% through range

Suggests you are ready for next dose increase

[Wagamama in reply to SlowDragon]

I’m taking 100 and 125 on alternate days

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Wagamama]

Which brand of Levo

Approx how much do you weigh in kilo

And what vitamin supplements