Suspect I've got an underactive thyroid...

[Bec79]

Hi, I'm new to this and don't really understand how to interpret my recent blood test results. I have many of the symptoms of Hypothyroidism. My recent blood test results showed my TSH level at 1.39 mu/L, and my free T4 level at 13.2 pmo/L Please could anyone offer me advice on this? Many thanks

[Redditch]

Go with your symptoms....if you're cold, tired, confused, breathless, bored by mundane activities, a bit pre-menstrual all the time, irregular periods, putting on weight then you're probably right...

Best test you can do yourself is with a thermometer, do it in F so you should be 98.6 if you're normal.. if you're hypo you won't ever touch 98 and will be more like 96 most of the time.

If your temperature is normal, your throid is fine.. the best test is always the temperature FIRST THING when you wake up, have the thermometer next to the bed.. Blood tests are very limited - clinical signs are really the best way to diagnose.. see this link

youtube.com/watch?v=kExFRwQ...(Not working as expected?)

[Bec79]

Thanks Redditch, and thanks for that link. I already take my basal temperature and it's never higher than 97.8, it's usually between 96.9 and 97.8. So I guess that means my thyroid's probably underactive. So do you think I should ask my GP for thyroxine, or should I try desiccated thyroid? What are your thoughts? Many thanks

[Hidden]

Discuss your symptoms with your GP. Look at this information before going:

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/diagno...

Some GP's are agreeable to a trial of levothyroxine even if your blood tests are normal, but if not you may want to go to one of Thyroid UK's recommended private doctors for help.

Jane x

[Bec79 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Jane, I appreciate that. Yes, I think that's a good idea going to my GP and asking to be put on a trial of levothyroxine. Do you think it's also worth asking to be put on synthetic T3 at the same time? Many thanks, Becky

[Hidden]

Hi

Try the levothyroxine first. Some people do well on it and you may be one of them. Let us know how you get on. Let's hope it works out well for you.

Jane x