My test results.

[BrecklandRanger]

Hi.

I'm currently seeing the Dr regarding a whole host of symptoms, which include: fatigue, joint pains, heart palpations (and much more). Btw, I haven't been diagnosed with anything.

Just received the results of the blood test. For the thyroid, the TSH came in at 2.61 (range: 0.2 - 4.2). The doctor was also concerned at the level of cholesterol at 5.7. Nothing showed up for diabetes.

Dr has mentioned putting me on anti-depressants, but I'm not entirely convinced this is the cause (the depression/low moods tends to appear whilst fatigued).

For a male in his late thirties, I'm getting quite concerned as this has been going on for several years. I'd appreciate anyone's input.

[Hidden]

Did the they not do T4 or T3 on your bloods? TSH is the most useless blood test for thyroid, especially on it's own.

I wouldn't bother with the anti-depressants - try and see if you can get T4/T4/Vit D/Iron/B12 tests run instead.

Have you checked your symptoms off against the hypothyroid list? Your TSH would indicate you are probably hypo.....

[lynx]

You could try getting testosterone tested...

[galathea]

High cholesterol and high tsh both point to hypothyroidism. In the uk you will not be treated, no matter ow bad you feel, until your tsh is over 5 if you have antibodies and over 10 if you have no antibodies.

You would be treated with a tsh of 2.5 to 3 in pretty much every other country in the world.

You could get all thyrod profile from somewhere like Genova, for around £100. The doctor won't accept it even though its an accredited lab, but if you know for sure, your free thyroid levels, your tsh and your antibody status, it will give you an idea of whether you should be more insistent with the doc and ask for an endocrinology referral.

Of course, if it turns out you have antibodies then various doctors advocate early treatment. I don't know what happens if you get a diagnosis abroad, but it might be worth trying?

For the sake of a hundred quid, you could know the answers and plan your strategy....

Xx

[BrecklandRanger]

Thanks all.

I've thought about trying a private lab, but have read so many people recommend various tests. I've seen the name Genova pop up a few times, I take it it's ok to use this lab?

[Hidden]

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

Louise

x

[blackqueen65]

Did you fast for the thyroid blood test and was it done early in the morning? My son, 28 had his thyroid tested and the TSH was 3.67 but he hadn't fasted and the test was done late in the day. Due to his symptoms I asked the doctor to test it again a couple of months later and made sure he fasted and had it done early morning, it came back at 10.99 and he was started on levothyroxine. It might be worth asking if you can have the test done again and make sure to fast first.

[BrecklandRanger in reply to blackqueen65]

Hi.

Yeah I fasted for approx 12 hrs prior to the test. It was done mid-morning. I'd be interested to hear more re fluctuating thyroid levels. Are their any decent sources?

[blackqueen65]

I don't really know a lot about the fluctuating levels except that TSH is usually highest early morning. Have you had the antibody test, I know if you have antibodies it can cause your thyroid levels to fluctuate quite a lot. Might be worth asking for them checking if they didn't do them already. Also you could ask for Vit D, B12, Folate and Ferritin to be tested as they all affect the thyroid's ability to work properly if they are low.

[BrecklandRanger in reply to blackqueen65]

Thanks Shaz49 for your input. I'll most likely get the antibodies (and Vit D etc) tested at a private lab.