Blood Test Results

[Jacqui_D]

Just been given my test results as follows

Antibodies- 460 (100)

T4-15.03 (12_22)

TSH-6.360 (0.270-4.200)

MCHC-351 (315-345)

Advice greatly appreciated

Many Thanks

No T3 results

[Clutter]

Jacqui_D, antibodies are positive for autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's).

If you are on Levothyroxine your TSH is too high and you are undermedicated. If you are not, your GP needs to start you on Levothyroxine, there's no point in waiting until you become overtly hypothyroid (TSH >10) when you have positive antibodies. Read Dr. Toft's comments about positive antibodies and commencing treatment in Treatment Options thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

FT4 is low in range which is why your TSH is 6.36.

Your MCHC is slightly elevated and won't be significant if the rest of your red blood cell count is normal. It may be worth asking for B12 and folate levels to be checked though.

Increased MCHC values (hyperchromia) are seen in conditions where the hemoglobin is more concentrated inside the red cells, such as autoimmune hemolytic anemia, in burn patients, and hereditary spherocytosis, a rare congenital disorder.

labtestsonline.org/understa...

[Jacqui_D in reply to Clutter]

Hi Clutter

I am not on any medication at the moment, I was told that if I start on thyroid replacement I would be on them for life, but he didn't say that I couldn't have them, I asked what he would do if it was him and he said he would hang in there and see what the next blood results show.

The results I have posted were taken back in May but I have been feeling unwell recently with new symptoms of my thighs aching and wrists & elbows and since reading information on this site think it may be related to my thyroid.

He said something about subclinical hypothyroidism. Is that different to Hashimoto's?

[Clutter in reply to Jacqui_D]

Jacqui, 90% of primary hypothyroidism is caused by Hashimoto's which is an autoimmune thyroid disease. The Hashimoto's can't be treated but the low thyroid hormone can be replaced. Your thyroid isn't going to improve, it can only get worse. Thyroid replacement is for life.

Subclinical hypothyroidism is defined when TSH is >5 and <10 but strictly speaking should also mean you don't have hypothyroid symptoms which you obviously do and Levothyroxine will be beneficial.

Ask your GP to start you on Levothyroxine as soon as possible. It will take several months to build up to an optimal dose and may take a couple of months longer for symptoms to subside after bloods are optimal.

Muscle pain and weakness and carpal tunnel symptoms are hypothyroid symptoms.

Many members find a 100% gluten-free diet can be very helpful managing Hashimoto's and can help reduce antibodies.