test results.

[erithstreet]

Hi would like some advice on latest test results. Have had underactive thyroid since 2003 have joined this site a while ago and find it very informative and helpful but I still feel very confused about understanding results. these are my latest results. Serum TSH level 31mlU/L (0.40-5.00mlU/L serum free T4 level 9pmo/L (9.00 - 19.00pmo/L serum FSH level 6.1 iu/L . I am currently taking 200mg thyroxine. any advice will be welcome. thanks

[Clutter]

Welcome to the forum, Erithstreet.

TSH 31 is very high, one would expect it to be suppressed <0.03, and FT4 very low for someone on 200mcg. If that is the first abnormal result you have had it may be worth your GP getting your blood tested at another lab to rule out lab error or heterophile antibodies interfering with the analysis. Alternatively here may be pituitary or hypothalmus feedback dysfunction and your GP should refer you to endocrinology.

You haven't included the FSH range (if there is one), but if FSH is low that would be consistent with pituitary dysfunction.

labtestsonline.org.uk/under...

[erithstreet in reply to Clutter]

Hi thanks very much for reply . there doesn't seem to be a range for FSH it just says 6.1iu/L. would you mind explaining something else. I have an underactive thyroid but I see people on here talking about hashimotos disease . . which seems to be an underactive thyroid as well. are they the same thing.? I have an appointment with gp in july to discuss my results because my cholesterol is slightly raised so he wants to discuss my diet.! thanks for your help.

[Clutter in reply to erithstreet]

Erithstreet, Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease which causes 90% of hypothyroidism. Ask your GP whether thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOab) were ever tested.

Elevated cholesterol is a symptom of undiagnosed and undermedicated hypothyroidism. Before thyroid blood tests existed high cholesterol was one of the clinical symptoms used to diagnose hypothyroidism. It's probably nothing to do with your diet and will drop into normal range when your elevated TSH is sorted out.

[HypoHim in reply to erithstreet]

As Clutter says, on 200mcg levothyroxine I would expect your TSH at least to be in the normal range and probably below, and I would not expect your FT4 to be at the bottom of the range - it should be normal or high...

Are you currently experiencing any hypothyroid symptoms? When my TSH was that high I could barely stand up.

Do you have any digestive or malabsorption issues that could be preventing you from absorbing the levothyroxine properly?

I am surprised your doctor did not comment on such a blood test result or ask to see you. I certainly would not wait until July to have my blood retested or to speak to a doctor/ask for a referral to endocrinology. It could just be a lab error/interference problem, but it could also indicate a medical issue that needs to be dealt with.

[erithstreet]

HiHypoHim, thanks for reply. The dr has requested to see me about this but he is on holiday till july 3rd I could see another dr but I think its best to stick with one I am getting to know. and yes I havnt been feeling well for a while now.

[HypoHim in reply to erithstreet]

I agree with sticking with a doctor, I always see the one I trust (the most...) at my surgery. Although if you are feeling very hypo maybe you can get an appointment for a blood test before your doctor's appointment? It would be good to know if this result was a fluke or is a real issue that needs to be treated when you see him.

[erithstreet]

Hi clutter I have the FSH results as follows- serum FSH level - normal no action. 6.1iu/L

Reference ranges- LH FSH

Follicular phase 2.4 - 6.6 3.1 -8.1

mid cycle 9.1 - 74 2.6 - 16.7

luteal phase 0.9 - 9.3 1.0 - 5.5

post menopausal >27

would you know what any of that means? thanks

[erithstreet]

Hi me again sorry to be a pain but need advice with these results - Serum folate 4.8ug/L (4.80 - 19.00ug/L. is this ok and could you please explain what serum folate is. Is it something to do with iron levels.

thanks