To not be sure about taking these meds?

[HopeAndDriftWood]

I have been under the weather for the past 18 months. Random health problems like recurrent pneumonia, weight gain, thinning hair, always cold...

The hospital ordered tests in December but I got a letter saying my bloods were all in the normal ranges. It didn't give actual figures.

I had my annual medical check up for work today, they have prescribed me levothyroxine. He said that my levels may be within the UKs normal ranges but it might not be enough for me, and to see if they help. I checked with my GP and she just said that I'm not within NHS prescribing limits so she wouldn't be able to prescribe it on the NHS, but I might be able to be referred back if it helps.

I'm pleased that something might help - I'm currently wearing nine layers and I'm still cold! - but I've done some googling and it seems unnecessary levothyroxine can cause permanent damage like bulging eyes.

Do I take it? I've asked for my actual blood results to see where I sit but neither party has really committed to getting them to me quickly...

Yes, take it. For whatever reason, GPS in the UK hesitate to treat hypothyroidism until levels are quite a bit lower than in other countries.

No I think you're being pretty reasonable! I was prescribed it when I lived abroad and it made no difference to my health at all (I was still cold a lot of the time etc, and had always been thin so didn't lose weight).

My TSH (which was about 4.5 to start with) went down but my free T4 etc remained exactly the same (middle of range) even after a couple of dose increases. When I came back the GP took me off it (because NHS allows a much wider range of TSH levels as normal) and I felt slightly better. The faff of having blood drawn and taking medication everyday was also offputting. On this issue I think the NHS has it right: if your free circulating levels of thyroid are in the normal range then everything is working as it should be, and a slightly elevated TSH doesn't necessarily mean your thyroid is about to pack up etc, especially if it's been at that relatively high but stable level for a while.

Yes take it. For some reason UK GP’s like you to be extremely low compared to other cut off points. Plus I read some research recently that showed that people on levothyroxine feel better slightly over medicated (according to UK cut off points) than within normal range (for UK). Another indication that our set guidelines for usage are probably too low xx

Thanks all. I'd have liked to see my numbers, just to see if I'm just over the UK range, but it doesn't look like I'll get them.

I'm teetering between taking them and seeing if they help at all; or just leaving it. I do seem to have a lot of the common symptoms.

Ask for the numbers. It’s your data, completely legitimate request.

I’m confused as to whether you’re in the Uk or abroad.

Who has suggested you take it?

Ask for the numbers. It’s your data, completely legitimate request.

NHS policy:

www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/po-why-should-I-online-test-results.pdf

If you sign up for online access, you'll be able to see your results once they're uploaded at your GP surgery (sometimes they delay this until a doctor has viewed them/signed off).

I'm in the UK. I get private medical cover through work; and so have to have a yearly medical at least, and mine was yesterday.

The consultant there said he hadn't got a copy of my actual results with him but my thyroid function was lower than he'd like and given my symptoms, he wanted to start me on levothyroxine 50mcg. He talked to me a bit about side effects and things, then finished the medical and gave me a prescription when I left.

Thanks arranbubonicplague, I will sign up!