I have had hypothyroidism for around 30 years, currently take 75mcg thyroxine daily, weigh 88kg and am 76 years old. I also have heart issues, having had a pacemaker fitted 4 months ago. My latest thyroid tests show low TSH at 0.1 and T4 at 15.8.For my heart issues I take blood thinners, statins, beta blockers (currently at 2.5 twice a day, to rise in increments to 10 twice a day.) I take a low dose of PPI for stomach acid daily.
I am very confused about my thyroid condition. I have put on about a stone in the last year and don't seem to be able to shift it at all, despite being careful with my diet and being active within my capabilities heart-wise. Any suggestions?
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JuliaGemstar
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My latest thyroid tests show low TSH at 0.1 and T4 at 15.8
Please add ranges on Ft4
Was test early morning
Exactly what beta blockers
Just testing TSH and Ft4 completely inadequate
For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 tested
Also both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested at least once
Very important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 at least once year minimum
Low vitamin levels are extremely common when hypothyroid, especially with autoimmune thyroid disease
About 90% of primary hypothyroidism is autoimmune thyroid disease, usually diagnosed by high TPO and/or high TG thyroid antibodies
Autoimmune thyroid disease with goitre is Hashimoto’s
Autoimmune thyroid disease without goitre is Ord’s thyroiditis.
Both are autoimmune and generally called Hashimoto’s.
Significant minority of Hashimoto’s patients only have high TG antibodies (thyroglobulin)
NHS only tests TG antibodies if TPO are high
20% of autoimmune thyroid patients never have high thyroid antibodies and ultrasound scan of thyroid can get diagnosis
In U.K. medics hardly ever refer to autoimmune thyroid disease as Hashimoto’s (or Ord’s thyroiditis)
Essential to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12
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
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)
Private tests are available as NHS currently rarely tests Ft3 or all relevant vitamins
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
Did you get the heart problems from or after diagnosed with hypohyroidism ? My tsh is low and my ectopics are the worst they have been in a while. I'm scared
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