blood test to check for correct dose of Synthroid

[Cheri558]

Hi, I had a TT on November 12th, there was a small cancer but doctors said that it had not spread and that removal of the thyroid was the treatment. Hard to believe but 3 doctors agree no RAI.  My question is I initially was on 125mcg and then was upped to 137mcg. When I went for blood work, the doctor only checked TSH. Are there other tests that would best show if my dose was accurate like T3 and T4?  I'm new at this so I don't understand as much as I wish I did. Thanks.

[Cheri558]

thank you too for taking the time to answer my question.  I had a blood test today and I asked for the FT3 and FT4 and TSH as you suggested as well. I'll report my results when I get them as I do not know what I'm looking at and what my levels should be at. Thanks.

[Cheri558]

thank you for taking the time to answer my question.  I just went today for another blood test. I've been on the higher dose for 6 weeks and I asked DR for the FT3 and FT4 and TSH as you suggested

[Barb135]

You need to be tested for FT3 and FT4, along with the TSH.  It's not unusual for some of us to have a very low TSH while on med.  Mine runs only 0.01 almost all the time and I don't worry about it so long as my FT3 and FT4 are in line.  

Free T3 and Free T4 are the actual thyroid hormones and are what really need to be tested.  TSH is a pituitary hormone and is an "indicator" at best.  TSH alone, should never be used to determine med dosages.  That should always be done using FT3, FT4 and your symptoms, since the goal is to get and keep you feeling good, not trying to target a specific TSH.

[remar]

I am so sorry! I jumped from the family medicine forum to the thyroid forum and forgot.
Anyway, I'm so glad you found this forum. The people here are wonderful. Take care. Remar

[remar]

Yes, you need other tests too along with THS. Here are the tests you should ask for. TSH, FT3, FT4 and antibodies.Since you had your thyroid removed I'm not sure if you need the antibodies test or not. I'm wondering too if you may also need a T3 med.  We have a wonderful thyroid forum here. You might want to check it out and even join the group. The people there are very knowledgeable about thyroid problems.
How are you feeling after the surgery? Are you having any symptoms?