Hi AllI'm on 100mg of Levo..59yrs old. Very tired gained about 2 stone since diagnosed in 2018. Everything hurts lol
Think my results are a tad high this time and just wanted to check with the group before I go into battle with the Dr..apparently they didn't do any vit checks this time either 🤬
TSH 4.9mu/l
Normal range: 0.38 - 5.33 mu/l
Serum Free T4 10.mu/l
Normal range: 7.9 - 20.0 pmol/
Serum Free T3 4 5mu/l
Normal range: 3.8 - 6.0 pmol/L
yes . your TSH still a bit too high even though it is in range (and obviously fT4 is rather low in range) : use these references in discussion with GP :
healthunlocked.com/thyroidu.... -list-of-references-recommending-gps-keep-tsh-lower-in-range-
simplified explanation ( in case GP is simple) : healthunlocked.com/thyroidu... the-shoe-size-analogy
Thankyou for the confirmation much appreciated 😍
You had some recommendations for things to do some years ago here: healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...
How do you take your Levo? Its a very fussy hormone and needs to be taken on an empty stomach, an hour before anything other than water. Taking it at bedtime can also help absorption.
Many members buy their own private tests for thyroid and vitamins to be able to feel well.
What are you supplementing with?
Hi. I did and have followed however just wanted to check the latest results! I take Levo first AM with water. No food for an hour, I'm aware 😀
Well you definitely need a dose increase. TSH needs to be at or just under 1 where most people feel well.
Essential to test key vitamins too.
Approx how much do you weigh in kilos?
HiI'm annoyed ref no vitamim check this time as i always ask. I will be discussing with the Dr next week.
I'm about 85kgs now unfortunately partly due to thyroid and partly due to breaking my ankle 3 times in 2 years 😪. I read here once that its X amount of mgs of levo per kilo but couldnt find the article again
The calculation for approx final dose is 1.6 x weight in kilos.
1.6 x 85 = 136mcgs Levo This is very approx, you may need a little less.
It is essential to have good vitamin levels so thats something to work on as well as getting dose increase. Ask for it on a trial basis which can go down better.
Are you sure you dont have any caffeine drinks within the hour after taking Levo?
Private blood tests are available.
HiThankyou I knew there was an approx calculation.
Ref caffeine no. I tend to drink only hot or cold water all day with the occasional decaf tea in the evening lol
Thankyou for your input much appreciated . Georgina
There are, in actuality, multiple calculations.
helvella - Estimation of Levothyroxine Dosing in Adults
A discussion about the use of formulas to estimate levothyroxine dosing. Includes link to a downloadable spreadsheet which calculates several of these.
helvella's calculation document and spreadsheet can be can be found by following this link:
Direct link to spreadsheet:
dropbox.com/scl/fi/1gro7whv...
Last updated 03/01/2025
Link to blog:
helvella.blogspot.com/p/hel...
Helvella you are Amazing. What I loved most is that you say to dose Levothyroxine by Wellness. And that is the Truth. Not all formulas work for everyone. It's not one size fits all.Helvella can you suggest if one is dosing with 50mcg denomination the dye free. What is the best way to get to 137mcg Levothyroxine? I printed out your schedule a few years ago and 137mcg T4 is not on it.
Thank you so much for working so hard for our Thyroid Community.
150, 150, 100 - then repeat - gets you to 133.33. That is just over-simplified arithmetic but it probably isn't too far out.
You could do fancier things if you split them.
And despite appearances, not all USA levothyroxine is coloured. E.g. Provell and, of course, Tirosint and Tirosint SOL.
Thank you so much Helvella. The only dye free T4 is the 50 mcg denomination. It would be very nice if all across none of the denominations of T4 would have color. I was told that they use color to differentiate the dosages. Those of us that are T4 dependent can tell if the correct dose is embossed on the tablets. The dyes are very not conducive for many of us.Thank you so much Helvella. It's most appreciated.
Provell Euthyrox are white in all dosages!
There are actually NICE guidelines stating the replacement dose of 1.6mcg per kg, you could cite this to your GP if they are unwilling to increase (it is under initiation and titration):
cks.nice.org.uk/topics/hypo...
It should be used as a guidance, as some people are okay with less and some people might need more. But it may be quite helpful if you feel you are under-replaced, and the GP is reluctant to increase because the results are 'within the range'.
And of course the answer to "it's within range, so it's normal" is that "I don't feel well and it's obviously not normal for ME!"
You definitely need an increase in your dose. TSH at 4.9 is much too high. TSH is best around 1.00 -2.00 max. My private endocrinologist explained to me if your TSH is above 2.5 you’ll get unwanted symptoms. A healthy persons TSH is usually around 1.00 to 2.00. Even thought the NHS range is set to about 5.50 it’s far too wide a range my private Endo explained to me some years back.
You’re right that your vitamins B12, D, folate and ferritin should be checked routinely also. You should also check your lipids/cholesterol. When your TSH is too high you can also have elevated cholesterol and you don’t want that. Ask your GP to check everything. If they refuse I’d speak to the practise manager and if they still refuse get it done privately through monitor my health on line.
It’s no wonder you’ve gained weight with your TSH being 4.9 as your metabolic rate will be struggling along with lots of other factors in your body. It’s all running too slowly.
latest blood results
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Latest Blood Test Results - Comments Appreciated Please
Thyroid results any help in understanding these 
