Latest blood test results and symptoms!

[scatterby]

Hi, I've been hypothyroid for about 10 years.

My latest blood test results are:

Serum TSH Level less than 0.05

Serum free T4 level 15.9

...which are okay I think? (I'm currently on 150mcg Levothyroxine.

I'm just wondering if any other things can cause symptoms, e.g. really struggling to lose weight (despite being on a strict diet and exercising every day), blurred vision, chronic anxiety (which I do go on medication for, but only started when I became hypothyroid) and extreme coldness. I don't understand why, if I'm being controlled by medication okay, I still get these other symptoms. Are they not connected?

Thanks

[Moggie]

They could be connected but then again they could mean you are low in other things. With a TSH of lower than 0.05 I wouldn't say you need more T4 (levo).

Have you had your B12, VitD or Iron checked.

Below is a link to B12 deficiency and VitD deficiency for you to see if any of your remaining symptoms could be linked.

nhs.uk/Conditions/Anaemia-v...

patient.co.uk/health/vitami...

Hope this helps

Moggie x

[shaws Administrator]

They do sound like hypo symptoms. When you get your blood test results please get the ranges too (figures in brackets) as labs differ and it makes it easier to comment.

The TSH doesn't really mean much but the GP's are told to use it for diagnoses. The main thing is the question 'How do you feel" and if the answer is 'not very well' you have to take pro-active steps, like Moggie suggested above re B12 and Vit D.

Some people need a suppressed TSH as well as some T3 added to a reduced T4. Many are undermedicated.

[scatterby]

Oh thanks, that's interesting.

Yes, I suppose it's great if your blood tests are good, but not great if you just don't feel right!

[Jackie]

Hi the weight is normally FT3 , which you need tested. You may need treatment with T3 on a script as well. It is usually started at 20mcg but best to take a week or 2 to get to that as then you should not have side effects. When properly on it split the dose into 2 about 12 hours apart. It will also lower your TSH. Most of us find on treatment T4 needs to be in top third of range and FT3 near to the top of range. Also make sure your Vit D ( hormonal) has been tested.

Bet wishes,

Jackie

[scatterby]

Thanks very much Jackie - I didn't know all this.

Is there a way of being subtle with my GP lol - I have quite a good relationship with her and I don't want her to feel like I'm telling her her job, but she does seem to only go by the book with the thyroid issues!

[DeniseR]

I have a TSH like yours and a lowish T4 but I'm on 50mcg of T4 with 10mcg of T3 and am still not totally better, although better with the T3 added.

I've been told I probably have a reverse T3 issue. I think to get a full picture you should have you FT3 tested too but I know not all Gp's do this. Mine was happy to test but wouldn't prescribe T3, thankfully after me being persistent my endo prescribed T3.

Asked to be referred if your Gp won't help with this and try and find an endo that's recommended for thyroid in your area.

Good luck

[scatterby]

Thanks Denise - I think I'm going to try this. It's no good being reluctant to pester the Doc and feeling ill is it?!!