High TSH

[Pepsitess]

I would be very grateful if someone could advise me about recent blood results.

I've been on levothyroxine for over 30 years, (I'm 75) latterly 100mcg until October 2024 when increased to 125 mcg. In December GP reduced to 100mcg then back to 125mcg.

I've had a few niggling health issues, spoken to three different doctors and got nowhere. .

Blood test a week ago shows

TSH as 33mu/L (0.27 - 4.20)

Free T4 5.8pmol/L (12.0 - 22.0)

Should I be concerned about these results.?? Not feeling good and wondering about changing GP.

Any advice welcome.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

yes definitely

Are you currently taking any other medications that might be interfering with levothyroxine

Do you always take levothyroxine on empty stomach and then nothing else apart from water for at least an hour

No other medications or vitamin supplements within 2 hours

Some like iron, calcium, vitamin D tablets, magnesium, PPI at least 4 hours away

What brand of levothyroxine are you taking

Do you always get same brand

[Pepsitess in reply to SlowDragon]

I take levothyroxine (Accord) in the middle of the night, so not near food or other meds.

I was surprised by the results so checked -definitely the right way round. My GP will not test for FT3 I take two meds for hypertension in the morning, and an anitidepressant in the evening which haven't changed for a long time.

Not taking any supplements. Blood draw at 9am; levo taken afterwards.

I notice the GP has marked the print out for filing ....

[Buddy195 Administrator]

Can you double check your TSH and FT4 to make sure they are the right way round Pepsitess?

Was FT3 tested at all?

What time was the blood draw? Did you take your dose of Levo before or after the draw?

[Pepsitess in reply to Buddy195]

See previous reply toSlow Dragon. l 'm feeling dreadful, very very cold, lightheaded/ unbalanced, confused; do s you think l should ask to see an endocrinologist?

[Buddy195 Administrator in reply to Pepsitess]

I was checking if this is correct

TSH 33mu/L (0.27 - 4.20)

F T4 5.8pmol/L (12.0 - 22.0)

or could it be

TSH 5.8 (0.27 - 4.20)

FT4 33 (12.0 - 22.0)

[Pepsitess in reply to Buddy195]

It's definitely Plasma TSH level 33mu/L (0.27 -4.20)

and Serum free T4 level 5.8 pmol/L (12.0 - 22.0)

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Pepsitess]

See GP and request/politely insist on new test at a different lab if possible

or test privately

also definitely get vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 levels tested

Most thyroid patients need to supplement vitamin D and vitamin B complex daily to maintain good levels

Test FIRST before starting any supplements

ALWAYS test 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)

as you normally take levothyroxine 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

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...

[Buddy195 Administrator in reply to Pepsitess]

As SlowDragon recommends, I would insist on a new test or (if you are able) look to test privately.

[silverbelle51]

Don't want to comment on result, but if you are on Levothyroxine and your TSH is high perhaps your body is not converting the T4 to T3 and your issues maybe related to nutritional deficiencies . That was my issue and that is why I am sensitive to the issue . here in the US doctors live and die by the almighty TSH and everything else be darn !