latest blood test results - advice on talking to GP needed.

[Slowrunner1208]

Hi everyone,

I’ve been trialing an increase in levothyroxine and have got my thyroid panel results back from Medichecks. The new results are at the end of the post.

I’ve been feeling much improved on my new meds (112.5mcg Levothyroxine, NHS and 15mcg of Liothyronine, privately sourced). I’ve had more energy, been able to go to the gym and run, and felt less of the afternoon exhaustion.

I still have pretty bad anxiety, and am getting CBT sessions via NHS.

My annual thyroid appointment is due with GP in January. I know they will be horrified at my TSH and look to reduce my Levothyroxine. I really don’t want them to do that.

How do I persuade / convince them:

- that this dose feels best from a symptoms perspective?

- that I have more energy and can do more exercise and strength training for physical and bone health?

- that I’m not ‘just’ a menopausal woman of a certain age who should put up with what I’ve been putting up with since diagnosis (& before)?

Any other observations on my results would be appreciated.

Thanks so much for any wisdom, much appreciated!

TSH 0.032 (0.27-4.2) - 6% thru range

T4 18 12-22) - 60% thru range

T3 4.8 (3.1-6.8) - 45% thru range

CRP 3.56 (normal range <3)

Ferritin 52 (30 - 264)

Folate 32.8 nmol

Active B12 150 37.5 - 187.5)

Vit D 89 (50 - 250)

[TiggerMe Ambassador]

Seems they were ok with your below range TSH last year so I'd concentrate on 'selling' your free levels and much improved health (though don't over sell it as they think you are Hyper and having too good a time!😅) if they get awkward you're going to need to request a referral to Endo but in the meantime insisting on sticking with your current dose

Do they know about the T3 or not? Slightly amazed they accept a private test 🤷‍♀️

I wonder if upping your Vit D wouldn't ease your anxiety as it's on the low side, aiming for 125nmol/L grassrootshealth.net/projec...

[Slowrunner1208 in reply to TiggerMe]

Thanks TiggerMe I don’t really want an endo referral..living in the NE isn’t great on that front! My GP agreed to the increase in levo on basis of previous results when I was

just in range, hence my nervousness…we shall see.

I’ll up my Vit D to see if that helps with the anxiety, that in itself can be tiring!

Hope all well with you and thanks again 😊

[TiggerMe Ambassador in reply to Slowrunner1208]

It sounds like they are a bit clueless so I'm sure you can talk them round in circles and get what you need😁

Ah yes, I remember you aren't in a good area for thyroid assistance, all good here thanks I'm making the most of the gym but can't wait to escape outdoors again, solstice tomorrow so spring fever is kicking in.... I'm opting out at the end of January, so expect snow for February 😬

[Judithdalston in reply to Slowrunner1208]

PMed you about recent experience with NE Endo!

[Anthea55]

Make sure you tell your GP that you take Liothyronine (T3). He/she needs to know.

Depressed TSH is a common result of taking T3. Mine has been depressed for years.

Stress to your GP how much better you feel and that that is more important than ranges.

[Blondiejayjay]

Ferritin looks low

[Slowrunner1208 in reply to Blondiejayjay]

Hi Blondiejayjay my ferritin is low, been working on it for a while…slow progress!