Test results

[Emlico]

Just been to the doc and I am now having tests for vitamins etc ,

My results for thyroid are FT4 6.6 and thyroid stim hormone is 38.60 ! Very confused what of they mean???

[alangardner]

hi there , you need to give the lab ranges that should come with your test results [ as different labs use various ranges to decide on 'normal' or not ] .....alan x

[Emlico]

Hi free thyroxine(ft4) 6.6 pom/L 9.0 - 23.0. Thyroid stim hormone 38.60 mu/L 0.20 - 4.50 whAt do they mean??

[rosetrees]

Sounds like you are hypothyroid as your FT4 is below the reference range. Your TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) is high as your body is trying to tell your thyroid to produce more hormones. I'm guessing that your doctor will start you on thyroxine. This should start to raise your T4 and start helping you to feel better. It's a slow process as your doctor will probably want to re-test and raise your thyroxine a few times to get the right dose. It's good that s/he is also testing vitamins etc as these need to be well in range for the thyroxine to work effectively.

[Emlico in reply to rosetrees]

Hi thanks for your advice , this was my second time back as I went prepared with a list of questions that people have advised me to ask which greatly helped , I Also took my hubby for back up to say how bad I have been feeling , so fingers crossed I will start to feel like normal soon and can be super mum again. !! Take care

[humanbean]

Are you on any thyroid meds? With your results you must feel absolutely dreadful! Your TSH is much too high, and your FT4 is much too low.

I hope your doctor has arranged for you to have the right blood tests. At the very least you should have tests for iron, ferritin, vitamin D, vitamin B12, folate and magnesium. That's all I can remember off the top of my head, there may be others.

You must ask your doctor for a print out of your results including any reference ranges. The results are useless without the ranges. Your doctor is likely to tell you that many of your results are "normal". By that they mean your results are within the reference range. But in order to feel well, for your thyroid to work to the best of its ability, and for any thyroid medication you take to work properly you need vitamins and minerals to be at optimal levels, not just at normal levels (optimal and normal are not the same thing). Please note you are entitled to have a copy of your results - don't let the doctor or the receptionists tell you otherwise, and as long as you ask for a copy promptly you can't be charged either.

Once you get a copy of your results copy them here and ask for advice. Hopefully you will get back on the road to health very soon. It might not be a quick process, but it can be done.