What are the best blood tests to diagnose thyroid problems? Having private tests as g.p will not treat me as my tsh is low but in range?

[Angel2]

I am a newbie so please bear with me..I am as yet not diagnosed,I have symptoms of hypo for the last three years symptoms getting worse for the last two, I also have had a lump at the base of my neck for the last 2 months. My g.p originally said it was probably an inflammation but begrudgingly has referred me for an ultrasound this week. g.p also says my Tsh is low (between 0.2 - 0.6) over various blood tests over the last 6 months but it is within range so will not treat me, But i thought if tsh was low is would indicate hyper?? I also have high cholesteral and low iron. I am at the end of my tether and want my life back. I have consulted a private nutritionist as she is convinced i have thyroid issues and adrenal fatigue so has referred me for the following blood tests, tsh,t3,t4 and antibodies and i have just sent back a saliva cortisol test. I have tried to do some research but i am getting confused :-(. As i am travelling to London for these tests i wondered are there any other tests that i should get for a thorough assessment of my thyroid, I have seen other tests free t3 and t4 and reverse t3 and i wondered would it be worth adding these to the tests i am already having? not sure if t3 & t4 are the same as free t3 & t4? I have asked my g.p for a copy of all of my blood test results for the last 6 months and ranges, she was not happy but agreed and i pick them up at the end of this week. Also when i get my results i would like to see a private endo in the hertfordshire area if possible but will travel if i need to, can anyone recommend any?? Sorry for going on and on but i feel dreadful and its now effecting my work and home life. Any help or advice appreciated

[Moggie]

Have a look at this recent blog - it is very well written and gives you loads of info especially about tests. Don't just read the blog, read the answers as well.

thyroiduk.healthunlocked.co...

Hope this helps

Moggie x

[Angel2 in reply to Moggie]

Thanks so much Moggie, will do as you suggest, Thanks for prompt reply

[Moggie in reply to Angel2]

Your more than welcome.

Moggie x

[greygoose]

Free T4 and Free T3 are the important ones. If you just say T4 and T3 they might do the Totals, which give you no useful information. As to rT3, I believe this is expensive so personally, I would have that one done straight off, but see what the FT4 and FT3 look like first.

It might also be worth doing vit B12, vit D, iron, ferratin and foliate because these are often low with hypothyroidism and may want supplimenting.

[Angel2 in reply to greygoose]

Hi Grey Goose, Thanks for your reply i have now asked for free t4 and free t3, and rt3, as just want to get some answers! also for the vit b12,D, and ferratin.. i will post results when i get them... Thanks so much :-))

[Redditch]

I would get a private appointment with a good thyroid specialist.. where are you? we will recommend you someone sympathetic and well trained

[Angel2 in reply to Redditch]

Hi Redditch, I am in Hertfordhsire, but i drive and i'm prepared to travel! Just desperate to get better, anyone you could recommend would be fabulous, Thank you so much for your reply, I am so pleased to have found this site, I had started to think i was going slightly bonkers! Many Thanks

[Heloise]

angel, don't ever apologize for asking questions. Such a pitiful state that the NHS leaves thyroid people in that leads to such desperation. It's criminal. If you can't get all your tests done, I looked at Genova Europe and they will do almost all the thyroid bloods including antibody and reverse T3 tests for 126 pounds. I think people use Blue Horizon as well if you have to go that route and TUK can get you some sort of discount.

There are many good sites to get information. I like this one: stopthethyroidmadness.com/m...

Please don't hesitate to ask anything, many kind people are very happy to assist.

[Angel2]

Heloise, Thanks so much for taking the time to reply, I am so drained and exhausted all the time, I am tired of being so tired if that makes any sense! I have always put it down to working full time and having a family but its more than that. I am so lucky to have found this site, I don't feel that I am pn my own and going mad!! I have got blood tests tomorrow that I have booked via Genova as you mentioned for the tsh,ft4,ft3, Antibodies and also rt3, I have allso asked if they will test my b12, vit D and folates too!!I have already sent back my adrenal saliva test, and I am also doing the thyroid 24hr urine test so hoping to get some desperately needed answers very soon! I will post as soon as I get them as I would like some advice as to reading them as I am not half as knowledgeable as the kind and clever people on this site, and with my brain dog worsening by the day, I don't hold out much hope of being able to decifer them myself!!!

Many thanks again

Angel :-)x