Im new here and after a little advice please.

[nicky23575]

Hi. Just over 2 months ago my GP sent me for blood tests. It came back my thyroid level was 5.6 so we asked me to return in 2 months to be re tested. This time it came back 3.5, the second blood test was taken 2.5 hours later in the day.

On my first lot of blood tests they checked for other stuff too. I have now been told my thyroid is fine but i seem to be suffering with alot of symptoms, for example no matter what time i go to bed im shattered in the morning and my 2pm i could easily fall asleep, i have dry hair and brittle nails, 2 months ago i was told i have a heel spur ( this was why the DR sent me for tests). I either have a up set tummy or i cant go, my body aches especially round the hips, thigh and back, i struggle to loose weight and i suffer with migraine but always have, it runs in the family, my mum died of a brain heamorrage. I think thats it. Can i just ask people opinions on the print out of my 1st results please xx

[shaws Administrator]

You definitely seem to have clinical symptoms but unfortunately the modern doctor doesn't know what they are and are told only to take the TSH into account for diagnosing.

The best time to have a blood test for the thyroid gland is the earliest possible appointment when the TSH is highest. Taking it later in the day is meaningless as our TSH varies throughout the day.

Ask your GP to test for antibodies. If you have antibodies it shows your thyroid gland is under attack and GP should begin medication (he may be unaware of this). The fact that you had a TSH of 5.6 shows something is going on. If you do have antibodies it is called Hashimotos and this is a link:

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

On your next blood test ask for Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, iron, ferritin and folate to be tested.

[nicky23575 in reply to shaws]

Thanks for your reply.

As far as my GP is concerned an under active thyroid problem is no longer a factor so he wont be doing anymore tests. I feel i could have a fight on my hands. My 1st blood test was done at 9.20am the second at about 11.30am both on an empty stomach xx

[Clutter in reply to nicky23575]

Nicky, your GP has only ruled out a thyroid problem based on your 2nd thyroid test results. If your symptoms don't improve or they worsen in the next 3 months you should go back and request another thyroid test, including thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin antibodies to confirm or rule out autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's). See another GP at your practice if your own GP won't do it.

Have the blood test as early as possible in the morning when TSH is highest as it may tip you over the 4.2 needed for a diagnosis and treatment.

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

Ask your GP to test ferritin, vitamin D, B12 and folate as hypothyroid patients are often deficient/low and these deficiencies can cause musculoskeletal pain, fatigue and low mood similar to hypothyroid symptoms. Post your results with the lab ref ranges (the figures in brackets after your results) in a new question and members will advise whether supplementation is required.

[Muffy]

The time of the blood test can make a huge difference to the results,, hence why some people who have theirs tested in the afternoon come back as euthyroid, whereas had they had the test in the morning, they would have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism.