Hi. I have a family history of hypothyroidism and just got tested due to multiple symptoms. Doc said normal result 0.84. Is this a bit low?

[Emma01]

[PinkNinja]

Actually that is a pretty good result. If you have hypothyroidism you would normally expect TSH to be too high. As a rough guide, the reference ranges in the UK are usually around 0.4 - 4.5 but often people have symptoms before it gets as high as 4.5.

There are cases where TSH is nice and low but the body is not producing enough thyroid hormones. This can be due to things other than thyroid or a kind of secondary hypothyroidism. Unfortunately it is difficult to diagnose secondary hypothyroidism as most doctors don't test the actual thyroid hormones, just the TSH (which is actually a pituitary hormone).

If you have a family history, it would be wise to get your thyroid tested from time to time.

In this case it could be hypothyroidism but you won't know without having T4 and/or T3 tested. Unfortunately, as your TSH is 'normal' your doctor probably won't do these tests.

Other things to consider are serum iron, ferritin (needs to be above 50 at the very least, according to recent research), folate (best above 10), vitamin B12 (above 500 AT LEAST!) and vitamin D. These are all very common deficiencies that carry symptoms similar to hypothyroidism but they can also affect how well your body uses the thyroid hormones it is producing - hence hypothyroid symptoms from these deficiencies.

If your GP is saying it's not your thyroid, ask for the above tests. He should be doing all he can to find out the cause of your symptoms and if he says it's not your thyroid then he should be looking elsewhere, like the above tests.

I hope you get some answers!

Carolyn x

[Jackie]

Hi As always a good post from Carolyn,

I would also think of having TSH, T4 and Free T3 done together on line. This will come with the ranges, use a well known lab who a doc will recognise, if you wish to show them. TSH has always been immeasurable, it can be due to Pituitary gland problems. mine is not that , it is quite rare.

However, my T4 needs treatment but my FT3 naturally is below range. I actually have severe hypo, nodules, enlarged thyroid and parathyroid. can hardly speak or swallow.I have been treated for many years but needed a good Endo to treat me initially.

Moral is, if in doubt it is worth paying for the tests.

Best wishes,

Jackie

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[Emma01]

Thanks ladies, I am back to the Doctors on Monday so will ask them to do these tests and see what happens. I just feel dreadful but all tests are coming back 'normal'!. Starting to feel like a head case!

[kafe1 in reply to Emma01]

Hi just read the above. I spent last week in and out of doctors to discover the same that my bloods are "normal" but ive been getter sicker for past 6 months and has taken my brain that long to start to twig it could be my thyroid again.. I have family history too..

No your not a head case but nasty symptoms definitely can make one feel that way