I have been taking 150mg levothyroxine for at least 5 years. Have been feeling v tired, not sleeping and put on weight.

[JennyC2]

I went for a blood test. I thought that my levels were too low but was shocked to find that my thyroxine levels are too high and medication is being reduced. Has this happened to anyone else?

Thx

[PinkNinja]

Do you have your actual results? Some people find they need their T4 (thyroxine) level to be just above the normal range.

Some people find they do get tired when they are taking too much thyroxine. A decrease may be worth trying but if you feel worse then clearly that is not the right path. It may be that you need to take T3 (liothyronine) instead of, or as well as, thyroxine. A minority of people do not get on well with thyroxine.

Other things to look at are iron, ferritin (stored iron), vitamin B12, folate and vitamin D. Deficiencies in any of these can cause the symptoms you are experiencing and some can possibly cause problems with getting the thyroid hormones into the cells and being used. This might be why your level is high but you feel tired and are gaining weight. Deficiencies in any of the above can also cause weight gain.

If your GP agrees to do the above tests, considering it isn't low thyroxine that's causing your symptoms, please post them on here. The NHS ranges are very wide and if your results are anywhere near the bottom of the "normal" range, it is likely that that level is not right for you and you may find it beneficial to supplement.

If none of the above helps, it might be worth investigating your cortisol levels. This can play havoc with your system generally and abnormal cortisol levels are surprisingly common in hypothyroid patients.

I hope that helps a little

Carolyn x

[JennyC2 in reply to PinkNinja]

Thanks this is helpful. Are you saying that my thyroid isn't overactive - its just more likely that I'm not absorbing it properly? I'm due another blood test in May so I'll make sure I get the actual results.

[Jackie]

Hi Ask the GP for results + ranges ( receptionist) and post them here.Make sure you are having TSH, T4 and Free T3 done. Even after being fine, it is possible to suddenly stop converting all the T4 into Free T3 ,in the body.If you do not feel right, then you may need less T4 now and some FT3. Also make sure you have had all the other tests recently, they all often change and should be at least annually. Glucose(hormonal and autoimmune), B12 + Folic acid, Ferritin?iron Vit D ( hormonal) The GP may be able to do the FT3 if you offer to pay , usually about £ 10 or a little higher cost through TUK, thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/te I use Blue Horizon, quote TUK 10 for a £10 discount.

I hope that helps. Thyroid often does change with age.

Best wishes,

Jackie

[Lincs_Lass in reply to Jackie]

Hi, neither my GP or consultant will test my T3 as they said that it bears no revelance to anything given that I am taking thyroxine? Is this just them fobbing me off? If so I would be interested in getting it tested but your link above doesn't work. Thanks for your help

[Jackie in reply to Lincs_Lass]

Hi I would say fobbing you off! Most endos in particular think it is essential. In fact a good number of endos and some GP`s think that now T3 is available, that T4 and T3 is the ideal treatment. as a first option. of course, so long as the FT3 is in range ( mine is only just ). It used to always be tested ,although no treatment available then, it is all down to cost. I would not rely on any one telling me my bloods were Ok, I would always want to see them ( and do for all sorts of things ) ,must all be within ranges. Normally we expect T4 to be in top third of range and FT3 near the top, on treatment. of course every one different. T3 does usually lower the TSH and some docs do not like it below range ( ie out of range)T3 is rally good for weight and other symptoms.

I hope this helps.

Jackie

[Lincs_Lass in reply to Jackie]

Thanks Jackie it does, I think i probably need to go back to GP and get the full range of bloods done and start again as they seem to only do one or two at a time. They did put me on a trial of T3 for a month but as I didn't feel any different they didn't continue with it (due to the cost) but what I couldn't understand was that they was no blood test for T3 prior to the treatment and the one whilst I was on it made me in range which to me would signify that I probably am low if on meds I was in range!

[Jackie in reply to Lincs_Lass]

Hi You needed a blood test first and then a further test after a trial for 3 moths, it takes a month to work at optimum. It is very expensive!It must be Free T3, there is another, useless one!You need the 3 tests together, and not take the thyroid meds before the test. (AM)If your FT3 is in range, which it might well be, it may bot be enough, it needs to be near the top if possible. I have mine just under 6 and the top of my LAB range is 6,

Try again!

Try the cheap way, through GP first , if he cannot do the FT3 ,he may be able to if you pay, very cheap like that.I think you could well be right, cannot object to giving it you having once tried!

Jackie

[Heloise in reply to Lincs_Lass]

This site talks about FT3 and reverse T3 and maybe you can find some answers there.

thyroid-rt3.com/howisit.htm