test results

[Prosecco1997]

hello my recent test result is 1.5 this was 2 weeks ago , I was 2.5 in October , I’m taking 62.5 mg everyday , but now have become very tired and achy , am I heading towards overactive with the 1.5 result , no other tests were done , so only have these results , I’m taking 62.5 , as 75 was to much and 50 wasn’t enough so I went straight down the middle at 62.5 , seemed to be helping

[greygoose]

To be taking levo, your thyroid would need to be under-active, in which case it is a physical impossibliity to suddenly become over-active. You could be over-medicated, but with a TSH of 1.5 you're a long way off that. 1.5 is only just about euthyroid, and hypos usually need their TSH a lot lower than that because they need their Frees higher than euthyroid (i.e. someone with no thyroid problems (normal))

And if you're symptoms are returning then it sounds like you are under-medicated. 62.5 mcg is only a tiny dose, not much more than a starter dose. So, what exactly do you mean by '75 was too much'? Too much in what way? Did you feel over-medicated or was it just that your TSH was low?

Just testing TSH really won't tell you anything much about your thyroid status. It's only a very rough guide and not 100% reliable. Your doctor should be at least testing your FT4, as that's what you're taking. TSH isn't even a thyroid hormone.

Would it be possible for you to test privately? Your doctor might not accept the results but at least you would know what is going on, and what you need to do next. But, my money is on you needing an increase in dose, and ignoring the TSH, even if it goes below range. It is the least important of the three thyroid tests - and they don't even test the most important one!

[Prosecco1997 in reply to greygoose]

When my test result was 5.8 they said alternate from 75 to 50 daily , but I chose to do 62.5 daily , as 75 mg was to much medication and 50 wasn’t enough I was told

[greygoose in reply to Prosecco1997]

If your TSH was 5.8 then you were very, very under-medicated. How much levo were you taking at that point?

[Buddy195 Administrator]

It is very difficult to give advice on a TSH blood test in isolation- ideally FT4 and FT3 would give a comprehensive picture of your thyroid health.

There are no indications you are ‘heading towards overactive’, as TSH is within range. Many members do report that they feel best when TSH is closer to 1/ below 1, so likely you would benefit from a slight increase in Levothyroxine. I like to make slow, steady changes, so would try 75mcg as a first step. Always retest levels 6-8 weeks after making an adjustment.

When was last time key vitamins were checked (ferritin, folate, B12, vit D) as having these optimal supports thyroid health.

[Prosecco1997 in reply to Buddy195]

They don’t realy listen to me , when I ask about other tests , just think I’m boring over anxious , which dosnt help , I realy seem to have funny turns around same time everyday, like my battries have run out , and pain around thyroid area aswell feel like I’m going round in circles, trying to get things right , I have hashimotos aswell

[SlowDragon Ambassador in reply to Prosecco1997]

just because you initially found 75mcg daily too much, doesn’t mean you will now

You may now be ready to increase

You will very likely need to test privately to make progress like thousands of other U.K. patients

Which brand of levothyroxine are you taking

Do you always get same brand at each prescription

What vitamin supplements are you taking

When were vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 last tested?

Have you had coeliac blood test

Are you on gluten free and/or dairy free diet

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

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...

Randox FULL thyroid test including both thyroid antibodies just £29

Test at home or in clinic

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

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

endo.confex.com/endo/2016en...

endocrinenews.endocrine.org...

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 serum B12 was below 500 or active B12 under 70:

[Buddy195 Administrator in reply to Prosecco1997]

Many members (myself included) have difficulty getting a full thyroid panel/ key vitamins from GP, so do this privately. It’s worth shopping around for offers (especially New Year time) as discounts are helpful!

[Obsdian in reply to Prosecco1997]

Having an afternoon crash (or funny turn as you said) is a common hypothyroid symptom of being under replaced.

[Prosecco1997 in reply to Buddy195]

My levels have dropped and now I’m so tired and exhausted, my throat feels like it flares up again aswell , feeling low in mood aswell , I have hashimotos?

[Buddy195 Administrator]

Have you had antibody tests to confirm if your thyroid condition is autoimmune, aka Hashimotos?

[Prosecco1997 in reply to Buddy195]

Yes had it tested , high antibodies, hashimotos they said