Is it usual for TSH levels to vary?

[Casta]

Haven't been officially diagnosed as having a thyroid problem.. but

1st blood Test showed TSH Level 5.03

A second test result TSH Level back down to 1.8

FT3 4.2

FT4 12,8

extreme fatigue and very low mood,

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

TSH can vary significantly even within a day.

See here:

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

The graph shows variation from about 1.4 to 2.4 in a single 24 hour period. Variation between days, and across weeks, is common.

Rod

[shaws Administrator]

Hi Casta

As quoted above, yes TSH levels do vary. When you post your blood test results, it is most helpful if you include the ranges as labs differ and it makes it easier to comment. Doctor's have guidelines that say until the TSH reaches 10 no diagnosis should be made. Some GPs do around 5+ with clinical symptoms.

This is a link from our main site Thyroiduk.org and when you go to this page on the left-hand side you will see other topics such as testing etc.

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

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

As you have symptoms which could be related to your thyroid gland

Reading 'About the Thyroid' in the link above will be helpful too.

When you have your next blood test for the thyroid have it as early as possible. Ask for antibodies to be done and also vitamin B12, Vitamin D, iron, ferritin and folate as we can be deficient and can cause problems too.

If you have antibodies it means that your TSH can swing from high to low.

[crimple]

I would deffo ask for antibody tests! My TSH went up and down quite a bit whilst on levo and dosage changed often. Then felt very very ill and asked for TPO test, showed very raised levels. (When first diagnosed 7 years ago I only had very low levels) Your thyroid sputters into life and then stops, depending on antibody attack, so your TSH will go up and down. Try to stay on same level of levo or ask for an increase. Do not accept a decrease in dose, is my experience!

[Casta]

Many thanks for the advice..