What should blood test results look like

[Bexworkforall]

It seems there are different views on this and the American amounts look different. Could someone point me in the right direction to see the ranges for TSH, FT3 FT4, RT3 and RT4. What would also be good is if anyone knows the optimal levels, I already know not to take any notice of the TSH, mine is really low because of the amount of Thyroxin I take. Thanks in advance.

[Bexworkforall]

Thanks

[Clutter]

Bexworkforall, Welcome to the forum.

There are no universal ranges for blood results, they vary from lab to lab depending on analysis machines used and vary across regions as they are based on a median of population results.

You need to know the lab ref ranges for your results. Generally FT4 in or near the top 75% of range and FT3 in the top third of range is desirable but some people need results higher or lower in range to feel well.

[humanbean]

Be aware when you see ranges being quoted for anything that European and American units of measurement are often different. Some people don't bother quoting units of measurement, they just quote numbers. Personally, I think this is a very dangerous practice!

[helvella Administrator in reply to humanbean]

This is especially true where the numbers are similar enough to be confusing. For example, B12 can be in pg/mL (picograms/millilitre) or pmol/L (picomoles/litre) - but the numbers would be close enough to make it impossible to be sure.

We also see confusion between Free T3 and Total T3 - a low FT3 result could easily be mistaken for a high Total T3. The numbers are close enough - but the units of Total T3 are a thousand times the size!

[faith63]

rt3 should be at the bottom 1/4 of the range. In my case, i cannot get my ft4 up to the upper part or even in range without too much rt3 being made. So a high in range ft4, may not work for you. Also, symptoms are more important than labs. I have found that they don't correlate well with symptoms.

[greygoose in reply to faith63]

Agreed. Labs are only a guide, and 'optimal' is when all your symptoms have resolved. Optimal has nothing to do with numbers, it's how you feel, and it's different for everyone.

[faith63 in reply to greygoose]

Why do people keep insisting that the numbers have to fall in a certain place and magically you will feel well?!!! Initially, they may tell something, reverse t3 or low ft3 and high ft4 may tell something, but if you have thyroid hormone resistance, they tell nothing. They sound like all my idiot doctors who didn't listen to me. "oh, your labs look great, so you must have another disease..we will send you to 10 more doctors".

[greygoose in reply to faith63]

Yup. Exactly! And the worst is : your TSH is in range, so you're better. I'll tell you when I'm better, mate, you Don't get to tell me!!!

[farie02 in reply to faith63]

Y is it some doc dont test rt3 as im nz and they dont know rt3

[farie02 in reply to faith63]

How or what do i ask for too do my rt3 hav read a bit bout this

[faith63 in reply to farie02]

You will have to get it done privately, order your own labs, pay yourself, if you are in the UK. In the US, you just ask he doctor to do it.

[farie02 in reply to faith63]

Im in nz and no one looks at that n im not sure how or wher my range should b

[Bexworkforall]

Very helpful everyone, thankyou.

[farie02]

Omg i had graves hence the removally so should i b wantin my level right up the top

[farie02]

Omg that is very interesting..as i had thyroid removed 6 yrs bac got put on antidepressants due to anxiety now iv learnt 5 year down the track n off antidpressants but feel off the plant..mood swings mental changes ahhh..will c doc for those test just had meds increased..as levels not enuf..way too scared to do myself..please keep intouch

[farie02]

Hi i am wanting to no the best way to increase my ferrtin please as i think this is the stem to al the problems im havin..my body idnt converting t3 an liver is fuctioning properly..n i think b due to cels n oxgen not gettin to the organs properly could u share wat us done to heal

[farie02]

Hav been doc an ferritin was done feb 3 level 75 ug/l 20 -200 is range