Thyroid experts needed

[tethersend]

I was recently diagnosed with hypothyroidism and put on a daily 50mcg dose of thyroxetine; this worked brilliantly until about two months ago when I began to feel tired, depressed and generally ill again in the same way I did before I was diagnosed. I am unsure if this means I need a higher dose or not.

I have an appointment with the GP tomorrow to discuss the results of my latest blood test and I haven't got a clue what to look for in the results.

Can anyone tell me what I should be looking for, and if I should be asking for further tests if the results of this one fall within normal parameters?

Hopeful morning bump

Usually with hypothyroidism they look at T4 which is free thyroxine and TSH thyroid stimulating hormone. There is a standard range for these results but you need to remember that the normal range only applies to about 95% of the population. So some people can be a bit low according to the results but feel fine. Others can be just in range and fell unwell so everything has to be taken together.

If the Dr says things are in the normal range explain you are concerned about your symptoms. You may need your dose adjusted but don't worry it common to have your dose adjusted a few times in the beginning to find the ideal dose for you.

Thanks for replying xstitch... do you have any idea what the normal parameters of TSH and T4 are?

Hi, I was diagnosed about 9yrs ago and Started on a dose of 50. it took about 12months for me to reach the right does for me which is now at 200. In my case it was clear I needed almost full replacement but it was my understanding it was best staggered.
I would guess based on your symptoms that you will need your dose increased. With any luck just by 20. I does take sometime and a bit of juggling to get these things right.
I used to check on the net for ranges before I went to the gp to get an idea but more importantly are treating your symptoms.
Good luck

T4 4.6-12 ug/dl and TSH 0.5-6 uU/ml. Just note that they can vary slightly between labs depending on the systems they have in place. They could also present the result in different units. Your results should have the reference ranges they are working to in brackets so you will be able to see what your local lab uses. Hope you are feeling better soon.

Thank you for that info- have just got back from GP and have left the printout of my results at the surgery

I will pick them up and have a proper look next week.

Thanks again for advice

I have my results but have no idea what they mean or how they relate to your info xstitch-

Serum free T4 level = 20 pmol/L

Serum TSH level = 0.3 miu/L

Can you or anyone translate?

Your results look ok to me. I very much doubt your doctor will increase your thyroxine dose with a TSH of 0.3.

The normal range is usually about 0.4 - 6

Thanks doozle- so it doesn't matter that the T4 level is high? Is it high?

I think your lab may use a different range to xstich.

My lab's normaal T4 range is something like 12-24 and so your number sounds about right to me.

(I'll check for you, will dig out my last results)

Just found this ...

"In the Euthyroid patient the free T4 is within the range 10-25 pmol/L and the TSH is within the range 0.1-6.0 miu/L"

What did your doc say? Sounds like are spot on according to the ranges above (although labs do vary in their ranges, so you could find out yours so you know for sure)