Can someone tell me why is my TSH going up inst... - Thyroid UK

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Can someone tell me why is my TSH going up instead of coming down.

Lucky23 profile image
19 Replies

In December, my TSH was 0.98 and now 3 months later it has gone up to 2.88. range (0.20 -4.50) I am only on 75mg Thyroxine and nothing else. I thought it should come down not go up. I don't think any Dr from my local surgery have realised this.

My TSH went up last year, as well, and my dose was increased, so I don't know why it has not been increased this time.

Thank you

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Lucky23 profile image
Lucky23
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19 Replies
greygoose profile image
greygoose

The only reason I can think of is that you are not getting enough hormone. It could be that your thyroid is slowly failing and producing less and less of the hormone you need, so you get more and more hypos, so the TSH goes up. Can't think of anything else.

Hugs, Grey

Lucky23 profile image
Lucky23 in reply togreygoose

I think I need to be on a higher dose too, because I have not felt well for a long time. I will have to make an appointment with my Dr and hopefully my dose will be increased.

Thank you

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply toLucky23

You're welcome. But remember to be firm. Tell him you want it, don't ask if you can have it!

Lucky23 profile image
Lucky23 in reply togreygoose

Yes I will. I have just made an appointment with a lady Dr, who is very nice. The appointment is for 2 weeks time, a late evening appointment, but I don't mind waiting to see her, because she is good and very understanding.

Thank you Grey

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply toLucky23

You're welcome. Good luck! x

shaws profile image
shawsAdministrator

As Grey says, you need an increase in your meds. Your GP should take a new blood test and if you haven't already done so, ask for a Vit B12, Vit D, ferritin, folate and iron too.

Get a copy of your results complete with the ranges (you are entitled) and post on a new question and someone will comment.

Lucky23 profile image
Lucky23 in reply toshaws

Hi, My last blood test was 2 weeks ago. I have had the tests done which you mention above, and the results are-

VIT B12- 806-Not on supplements

Ferritin-20

Folate-7.2

I am not sure about iron,

Thank you

shaws profile image
shawsAdministrator in reply toLucky23

Your Vit B12 is very good.

When you post blood test results you have to print the ranges too (the figures are in brackets), as labs differ and it makes it easier for someone to comment.

Maybe someone will reply re ferritin and folate.

Maggs profile image
Maggs

Hello,

I am unhappy with my GP as well. Last year TSH over 7, on Levothyroxine 50 mcg, check after 4 week and TSH dropped into "normal" range or whatever they call normal... Anyway TSH was over 3... sub-clinical hypothyroidism, so she said. Had to come back 6 month later with unbelievable symptoms, TSH nearly at 9... I struggle myself through every day, thought I still had the flu, symptoms: fatigue, aching limbs, weekness.. you name it, I got it! At the end of the day it's my GP's fault that I feel so bad because she keeps ignoring what I tell her. Told her months ago that I believe my thyroid is enlarged but check, no... painful throat,, nauseous because something presses on my throat, now on both sides lumps... funny voice... Anyway, appointment next week, can't wait!

Lucky23 profile image
Lucky23 in reply toMaggs

I know how you feel, it is a nightmare trying to get the correct dose. On top of all this, I am just getting over a virus and felt dreadful, which was probably made worse because of my Thyroid symptoms.

If it was'nt for this great site, I would not be getting a print out of my results. I was told my TSH was normal after the last blood test, so I asked for my results and could see that my TSH had gone up instead of down.

I was diagnosed sub-clinical, but have'nt felt well since I have been on Thyroxine. I got throat problems as well, it is one thing after the other.Be glad when my appointment comes.

Good luck

shaws profile image
shawsAdministrator in reply toMaggs

Hi Maggs,

It is unfortunate that we practically have to take a degree on the function of the thyroid gland in order to get better.

You have been treated dreadfully and it is all down to your GP not understanding about metabolism and the need for enough T3 in your cells to enable all these symptoms to disappear.

If you haven't already had a copy of the Pulse online article email louise.warvill@thyroiduk.org. She is not well at the moment so it may take a few days. Look at question 6 about the dose of thyroxine you should be on and how low your TSH is to go (even suppressed) and send her a copy pointing out subclinical and question 6 before your appointment so she has time to absorb all the information and you get the dosage of meds you require.

This was posted today

thyroiduk.healthunlocked.co...

Maggs profile image
Maggs in reply toshaws

Thank you shaws :) I will certainly do that and also request that my GP does other tests as well. What tests would you say need to be done? T3?

Last week I felt so bad that I busted out in tears and a strong feeling of dying. That might sound melodramatic but I feel so incredibly weak that I thought this would be the end. I wouldn't say I am depressed but then again, who can be so strong for such a long time without any effects on mental health? I am just amazed, again, that such a tiny organ messes up so much in one's body that this person has the feeling of dying. Hm... and the unbelievable fact that so many GP's play with patients health and don't take symptoms seriously!

Thanks again!!!

Lucky23, I had the flu last november and probably one of the worst things I experienced. Never had the flu before. Anyway, this turned from viral into bacterial and ever since that I struggle so much more. Still feel like I am having the flu. Anyway, we will fight, we will not give up until we get treated properly. Is this a plan? ;-)

Lucky23 profile image
Lucky23 in reply toMaggs

Hi Maggs, I think that's all we can do is fight until we are feeling much better than we are now. I thought taking a few pills would put an end to my Thyroid problems, how wrong was I.

Just hope I can get my dose increased soon and hopefully feel better than I do at the moment!

shaws profile image
shawsAdministrator in reply toMaggs

Some labs only do TSH and if within range don't do others requested.

This is a link of recommended blood tests, particularly free T3.

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

Lucky23 profile image
Lucky23 in reply toshaws

Hi Shaws,

I had my Free T3 done about a month ago and it was 4.2 but don't know the ranges. The Lab refused the first time, but my Dr asked them again, and they did it. As far as I know, this is the first time it has been done.

shaws profile image
shawsAdministrator in reply toLucky23

I should think the lab will have stated the ranges it uses. When you see your GP to ask for an increase ask what the ranges as for free t3.

Lucky23 profile image
Lucky23 in reply toshaws

Okay, thank you, I will ask for the ranges.

Totoro profile image
Totoro

It's also worth that TSH fluctuates during the day. It's higher in the morning. So if possible have your blood tests taken at the same time of the day.

Lucky23 profile image
Lucky23 in reply toTotoro

Hi, I always try to have my bloods taken around the same time, early morning if possible.

Thanks

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