Blood tests: I was diagnosed by my GP a few years... - Thyroid UK

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Blood tests

arlene1211 profile image
11 Replies

I was diagnosed by my GP a few years ago as being borderline hypothyroid and have a blood test every 6 months. Lately I have had classic symptoms...but blood test last week still shows 'normal' and GP refuses to refer me?

Anyone with a similar story - I am a 56 year old woman and her answer was HRT!!!!

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arlene1211 profile image
arlene1211
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11 Replies
Clutter profile image
Clutter

Welcome to the forum, Arlene1211.

It's a common problem and HRT and antidepressants are often offered instead of thyroid hormone when results are borderline.

Can you post your thyroid results with the lab ref ranges (the figures in brackets after your results) and members will advise.

arlene1211 profile image
arlene1211 in reply toClutter

Hi thanks for the welcome and the quick response. She did not show me results just told me they were 'normal' Can I ask for a print out?

Clutter profile image
Clutter in reply toarlene1211

Arlene, yes, ask your GP receptionist or practice manager. They're entitled to charge a £1/£2 to cover the cost of printer ink or paper but most won't charge.

arlene1211 profile image
arlene1211 in reply toClutter

Hi I was tested for free T4(9-21) and was 13... TSH(0,2-4.5) was 2.1 am I indeed normal then?

Clutter profile image
Clutter in reply toarlene1211

Arlene, your results are within normal range. TSH will have to be >4.5 or FT4 <9.0 before you get a diagnosis and treatment. It is worth asking for a repeat thyroid test in 6 months.

Ask for the vitamin and mineral tests Humanbean recommended. If any are low or deficient they can cause musculoskeletal pain, fatigue and low mood similar to hypothyroid symptoms.

arlene1211 profile image
arlene1211 in reply toClutter

Thank you guys :-)

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply toarlene1211

You could try asking her to do antibody tests - especially if someone else in your family is hypo - TPOab and Tgab. Of course, you should really have the FT3 done, because TSH and FT4 Don't tell the whole story. But you'd probably have to get that done privately and pay. :(

Glynisrose profile image
Glynisrose

Borderline? Is that like being a little bit diabetic or a tiny bit pregnant?

arlene1211 profile image
arlene1211

Who knows Glynisrose but she did offer to take another 6 blood tests to rule out everything from diabetes to Vitamin D deficiency or offered me HRT or anti-depressants!! So frustrated :-(

humanbean profile image
humanbean in reply toarlene1211

Say yes to the blood tests. Ask for vitamin D, vitamin B12, folate, ferritin and iron to be tested. Ask for copies of the results including reference ranges, then post them in a new question and ask for opinions/advice.

Deficiencies of minerals and vitamins is very common in people with thyroid problems and the ones I've listed above are particularly important for thyroid metabolism.

Gemsi profile image
Gemsi

Hi Arlene, I feel your frustration! I have been told my numerous tests are 'normal or border line'.

For years I have been told I have M.E. or Fibromyalgia. It has now come to the point where I am so tired/ exhausted, I can just about get out of bed! I begged my G.P. to refer me to an endo! Which she did. He just looked at my blood test results- didn't ask me any questions -- at all. Listened to my heart- through all of my clothes- and suggested it could be 'the change!' I am 61 fgs & had a hysterectomy at 39!!!!?

I just feel like such a non person! I ache everywhere- even my hands & feet! I am so overweight, and so so tired- all the time! I feel as though I am 'fading away' and don't recognise the person I used to be. I know this isn't helping you, I just wanted you to know it is not--'all in your mind' like is often implied! I hope you get some help- I just feel like a shadow of my former self! I was so slim/ fit/ energetic and full of life and zest for life! I would appreciate any help or advice that might help me in my quest for support!

Gemsi

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