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My last blood test showed I had no tsh levels. What would cause this?

By March 14, 2010 - 3:41pm
 
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I have had hypothyroidism for app. 30 years and since December of 2009 I have been totally exhausted, cold, dry skin, constipated all the old symptoms I had b-4.
When I saw my Dr. we both agreed I probably needed to increase my levothyroxine.
I went for blood work and it came back with no levels at all. He lowered my meds and I go back in 6 weeks for more blood and to see if my levels have changed and I need to lower the levothyroxine again. I'm a little confused because I think it should be increased instead of decreased because I'm getting more and more exhausted. Thank you for any light you can shed on this. Loretta

Add a Comment6 Comments

Loretta,
Thanks for the updated information. It would be a good idea to just double-check with your doctor in April to see if there is any truth to the Mayo Clinic's suggestion that calcium may interfere with your levothyroxine, and/or if waiting an hour in between is sufficient. I'll see if anyone else can add to this topic, and please let us know what your blood test results are in April.

March 16, 2010 - 12:27pm
(reply to Alison Beaver)

Alison,
I guess I'm curious about my levels being non existent and my meds are decreased. Usually if I was low they would be increased. My Dr says my tsh levels before this were normally between 3 and 5.
That's all the news for now. I'll be in touch after my nest Dr's appt if I can stay awake that long.LOL
Thanks Loretta

March 17, 2010 - 10:06am
(reply to Loretta Roper)

Hi Alison I hads more blood work done and still no tsh levels. My Dr. has now cut my levothyroxine to 0.088 I spoke to him about my calcium and he says he has always judged my meds accordingly and I don't take excessive amounts. I also spoke to the Pharmacist and she says the same thing. I'm still feeling the same and I'm to go back in 6 weeks after more blood work and if still no levels he will try taking me off and we'll go from there. Next step who knows. Any advice. Thanks Loretta

April 20, 2010 - 6:41pm

Loretta,
Did your doctor have any possible reasons/causes (I wanted to make sure you asked him, too). Are you asking why the sudden change in your TSH levels after 30 years, or are you asking why the change from December 2009 to present?

The Mayo Clinic provided one possible reason, having to do with the "proper absorption of levothyroxine":
"Certain medications, supplements and even some foods may affect your ability to absorb levothyroxine. Talk to your doctor if you eat large amounts of soy products or a high-fiber diet or you take other medications, such as:
* Iron supplements
* Cholestyramine (Questran)
* Aluminum hydroxide, which is found in some antacids
* Calcium supplements"

Does any of this apply to your situation? If not, we'll keep researching this question, and I am slightly confused as to when you had blood work done, and when your levels were within normal ranges, what type of medication/dose you were on at the time, and then when you noticed a change in your levels.

March 14, 2010 - 6:21pm
(reply to Alison Beaver)

Alison I was on levothyrorine 0.125mg and he has now put me on 0.112mg. I go back for more blood work on April 1 and I'll see him shortly after. As far as calcium goes I had always taken my thyroid med waited 1 hour and took calcium with my breakfast Did no know I shouldn't have.

March 16, 2010 - 10:43am
(reply to Alison Beaver)

Hi Alison: I had blood work done the week after I had seen the Dr.and that's when no levels showed up. He changed my meds from 0.125mg to 0.112mg. I don't notice any difference at all. I'm still so exhausted.
I go back for more blood work on April !st and see him around the !5. As for calcium pills I've always have taken them with my breakfast 1 hour after I take my thyroid pill. The past 2 weeks I haven't taken anything. Thanks Loretta

March 16, 2010 - 10:37am
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