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
Written by
Wagamama
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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.
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.
You’re on roughly right dose for your weight …..but some people need higher dose than guidelines
Generally looking to maintain TSH below 2 and Ft3 at least 50-60% through range
Are you careful how and when you take your Levo
Levothyroxine is an extremely fussy hormone and should always be taken on an empty stomach and then nothing apart from water for at least an hour after
Many people take Levothyroxine soon after waking, but it may be more convenient and perhaps more effective taken at bedtime
No other medication or supplements at same as Levothyroxine, leave at least 2 hour gap.
Some like iron, calcium, magnesium, HRT, omeprazole or vitamin D should be four hours away
(Time gap doesn't apply to Vitamin D mouth spray)
If you normally take levothyroxine at bedtime/in night ...adjust timings as follows prior to blood test
If testing Monday morning, delay Saturday evening dose levothyroxine until Sunday morning. Delay Sunday evening dose levothyroxine until after blood test on Monday morning. Take Monday evening dose levothyroxine as per normal
Thought I’d update you. Just had another test after taking your advice… and they look much better. I’ve not increased my dose. Just started taking it at night, away from my supplements, and taking my supplements more consistently…
Suggest you retest again in another 6-8 weeks to include TSH, Ft4 and Ft3 plus vitamin levels
as you now normally take levothyroxine at bedtime/in night ...adjust timings as follows prior to blood test
If testing Monday morning, delay Saturday evening dose levothyroxine until Sunday morning. Delay Sunday evening dose levothyroxine until after blood test on Monday morning. Take Monday evening dose levothyroxine as per normal
all thyroid blood tests early morning, ideally just 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
IMPORTANT......If you are taking vitamin B complex, or any supplements containing biotin, remember to stop these 5-7 days before ALL BLOOD TESTS , as biotin can falsely affect test results
In week before blood test, when you stop vitamin B complex, you might want to consider taking a separate folate supplement (eg Jarrow methyl folate 400mcg) and continue separate B12 if last test result serum B12 was below 500 or active B12 (private test) under 70
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