help with test results

[Shushione]

I’m hypothyroid and after the initial few years of problem after problem with levothyroxine it finally balanced out and I’ve been well for years now. In the last few months I’ve noticed some old symptoms coming back: I feel like I have flu coming on as every muscle aches, low energy, tiredness and having granny naps during the day but still crashing out at night, constantly tired and most things are an effort and I have such terrible dry skin, with very bad cracked heels, no matter what I do ie using special urea moisturisers etc etc they don’t heal - this too was one of the first symptoms I had before being diagnosed years and years ago. I’ve just felt a little unwell for a few months now so asked if I could have my bloods checked. I’ve had a message from my surgery now to make an appointment to discuss the results so looked on nhs app to see my results as it’s 3 weeks to get an appointment. I moved home and iam with a new surgery which doesn’t help. Anyway, can someone please interpret the only two things they seem to have tested and also let me know what you recommend testing to give a better picture

[SlowDragon Administrator]

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 tested

Also both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested at least once to see if your hypothyroidism is autoimmune

is your hypothyroidism autoimmune?

Very important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 at least once year minimum

what vitamin supplements are you taking

Recommended that 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)

[Shushione in reply to SlowDragon]

Many thanks for this info. When I attend my appointment I will ask if there is any reason a full test isn’t carried out. Hopefully they’ll be open to doing a full test to get a proper understanding of what’s changed. Don’t know if it’s just not a great understanding of thyroid issues or whether it’s been a cost related thing as to why the limited test

[Sleepman]

Post only showing sodium and potassium. Can you reply with more data.

You can only add 1 picture per reply.

[Shushione in reply to Sleepman]

Thanks for replying Sleepman but I’m presuming that this was all that was tested as these were the only two test results shown.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Shushione]

Which are entirely irrelevant to thyroid……

Are you still on 75 micrograms of Levothyroxine and 20mcg of T3

Do you always get same brand levothyroxine at each prescription

Same brand of T3

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 tested

Also both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested at least once to see if your hypothyroidism is autoimmune

Very important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 at least once year minimum

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

What is reason for your hypothyroidism

Autoimmune?

Recommended that 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)

T3 ….day before test split T3 as 2 or 3 smaller doses spread through the day, with last dose approximately 8-12 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...

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

Monitor My Health (NHS private test service) offer thyroid and vitamin testing, plus cholesterol and HBA1C for £65

(Doesn’t include thyroid antibodies)

monitormyhealth.org.uk/full...

10% off code here

thyroiduk.org/testing/priva...

Just TSH, Ft4 and Ft3 test - £32

monitormyhealth.org.uk/thyr...

10% off code here

thyroiduk.org/testing/priva...

Randox FULL thyroid test including both thyroid antibodies just £29

Test at home or in clinic

randoxhealth.com/en-GB/at-h...

[Shushione in reply to SlowDragon]

Hi Slowdragon, sorry just looked through the post again and to answer your questions. I’m only only levothyroxine now, having changed this about 5 or 6 years ago and thankfully, no adverse effects. I’m on 100mg Monday to Friday and 75 on Saturday and Sunday as per the endocrinologists suggestion. It’s been fine up until the last few months although I haven’t changed anything in my routine. I juggle taking levothyroxine, lansoprazole, Vit D3 and hydroxachloraquine , I take them all separately, spaced out throughout the day, taking the levothyroxine (always) in the early hours of the morning. The only vitamin I take now is D3 and interestingly you point out this should be tested every year at least., it’s on my list for the dr! The problem is having moved areas and subsequently drs too and the surgery isn’t the most efficient. Previously I had everything tested routinely, didn’t have to ask and got updates regularly. I have an appointment booked and have noted what should be tested and will be asking (very nicely) if there is any chance of doing these tests.