Is six weeks later too soon to retest TSH? (haven't started treatment yet)

[Lewlew]

My GP offered a levothyroxine trial for subclinical hypothyroidism revealed by medichecks test on 11 December and NHS test on 3 January, but I asked if we could wait and see if the thyroid problem resolved itself once low ferritin is treated, so the GP said I could retest in 3 months. I've changed my mind now and would like to start the trial as soon as possible. If I do the test this week, it would be seven weeks after the last test. If I end up with three elevated TSH results over a ten week period, would that justify treating subclinical hypothyroidism? I have symptoms as well.

[Buddy195 Administrator]

Retesting at 6-8 weeks is often suggested.

If GP has offered a Levo trial previously, do you need further TSH tests …could you say you’ve changed your mind about a trial of Levo?

Forum advice re timings of blood draw:

a)complete thyroid blood tests early morning (preferably before 9am)- this will ensure highest TSH (patient to patient tip)

b) drink only water before the blood draw

[Lewlew in reply to Buddy195]

Thanks very much , good to know that 6 to 8 weeks is often suggested as an interval. And thanks for the tip!

[Ontherun81]

Hi LewLew

After my experience of being told I have an erratic thyroid over the last 31 yrs with no treatment only starting Levothyroxine 5yrs ago I'd jump at the chance to start taking it especially if you're already having symptoms. Mine was left far too long. You'll be on a starter dose to let your body adjust so start taking and take the Ferritin too. Then if you wanted you could re test in 3 months to see how your doing. There's lots of advice on here that's way more knowledgeable than me so read everything you can!

Good luck