What should 'normal' levels be?

[T0mrich]

I'm on 50mcg of Levothyroxine per day, receptionist

gave me blood result (from last Sept) with TSH 1.71 and T4 17.3, I am clueless as to what these mean? Help?

[Hidden]

you need to get your ranges (they vary per lab e.g. my lab range is TSH 0.3 to 5.5)

but folks usually feel better with TSH under 1. Here's some info from the main TUK site...

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

Jane

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Oh, you say you have an overactive Thyroid, have they said if it is Graves or perhaps an overactive phase of Hashimotos? (can be ups & downs) both are autoimmune. Have you had antibodies tested? J

[T0mrich]

ranges? Good Lord, the very fact I was given the results in the first instance was a miracle! I was told the results TSH 1.71 & T4 17.3 meant 'normal' that's the grand total of 2 blood tests, (the last one Sept 2012) & I would only need to be tested once a year as these are 'normal' & as for Graves? Hashimito's? sounds like a restaurant to me sorry to be flippant, but it's all as clear as mud. I used to be intelligent...truly I did. I think I need The Idiot's guide to Thyroid! Many thanks for the prompt reply. The thyroid site is good, but I still feel out of my depth trying to make sense of the figures/letters maybe I should do what the receptionist said, 'you're normal, be thankful, go home' as good advice as any I've been on the receiving end of lately. Cheers. x

[Hidden in reply to T0mrich]

Yes it is a minefield (you are entitled to your results by the way, well done for asking!). 50 is usually a starter dose, you may need more if hypothyroid, and you should be tested 6 weekly to start.

I'm 'normal' too after half a thyroid out, a TSH of 5.12, & 'raised' antibodies, but still no treatment! GPs tend to go by blood tests now and ignore obvious signs and symptoms, antibodies confirm if it is autoimmune (which it usually is).

So we try and find out for ourselves, how to get better, there's a book in most chemists by Dr Toft for £5 actually there's loads of books here...

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/suppor...

another thing you can do is make sure your vitamins and minerals are OK.

yes more blood tests, sorry! (irons, folate, ferritin, B12 and Vit D).

Take some time to read up, if you can get past the fog! it may make a difference! Best wishes Jane

[T0mrich]

PS, no...nobody has mentioned antibodies

[Jackie]

Hi Try and get a Free T3 test done with the TSH and T4, Some people need T3 on a script to feel well. I would think unlikely in your case given those figures but good to check.Make sure you do not take any thyroid meds on the morning before the test until afterwards as it alters the test.

Jackie

[T0mrich]

Duly noted.

Many thanks, I shall report back. I rang the Dr's & asked should I have had more than 1 blood test, the receptionist has booked me in for next Friday morning. #Ihateneedles

[T0mrich]

Here we go, as promised, I met a lovely lady (nurse practitioner) yesterday who I had been booked with because she 'knows' about Thyroid problems. Grand it then transpires that she had her thyroid out 14 yrs ago. she's given me my levels (from last Sept) TSH 1.71 (0:1-4) and T4 17.3 (8-20) and said that they are just fine. T3 was never mentioned, nor vitamins & such. She said I looked well. So do I come away with, I am glad I'm 'normal' or feel jipped that I have no energy, a fat stomach (I look pregnant) and my hair is all over the furniture, washing machine, bathroom plug hole my hairbrush looks like a wigmaker etc just something to put up & shut up with? Perhaps it is just old age & dry rot? On the + side, she said I can go to see her any time, ask more ?s and of course I can have my results/ranges any time I want them. Hope all is well for everyone else.