Thyroid. TSH 5 - what should I be asking

[notapizzaeater]

I was put in thyroid meds last year for under active thyroid. I'm on 75mg a day.

I've been getting more and more 'tired' having afternoon naps and generally being shattered. Be trying to loose weight but nothing is shifting it.

I wasn't due a review till Jan but requested a retest from the receptionist (lovely village surgery) and I've been asked to come and see the doctor based on my result. When I phoned up and asked she told me my TSH was 5. Does this mean my meds should be increased ? I've. A new GP and I'm still wary of him (based on what he's told my hubby - but that's a whole other story) so before I go in I'd like to know what I'm asking for !

Should I have my dose increased at 5 or is this still 'OK'

Read up on the NICE guidelines. They say that once you're on medication - "Aim (in most people) to reach a stable TSH level in the lower half of the reference range (0.4–2.5 mU/L)."
So that along with your symptoms would suggest you need a higher dose.

cks.nice.org.uk/hypothyroidism#!scenario:1

Thank you - will print it out and have it in my bag :-)

It certainly looks like you're due an increase. Good luck!

You really need to kniw your ft4 and ft3 levels. Plus iron, vit d and b vits which are often low if you have thyroid probs. Ask for ylur antibodies to be checked for hashimotos too.

He increased it to 100 mg and retest in 10 weeks.

Funnily I am always anaemia and take Industrial strength pills every day - if I don't I can tell after a day :-(.

Think I might get referred to a specialist as we ave private health cover and get a full check

A private endrocrinologist would be a good idea. Also make sure you don't take iron within 4 hours of thyroid meds as it reduces absorption of the thyroxine.

I don't 😀

I take iron at bedtime

Hiya. Yes 5 means you need a slight increase in your meds. Btw my tsh has been 5 before and I felt AWFUL, I've also had a tsh of 60! So I know how you feel. You will be zonked. After 3-4 weeks of increase in your levothyroxine you'll notice a huge difference. X