Results

[kathmax]

Can anyone tell me what having borderline blood results means ?

[lc1973]

Hi Kathmax

I can only assume this to mean borderline underactive or overactive if we are talking thyroid blood tests? Was there mention of retesting in say 3 months for example? Have you any more info to share?

[shaws Administrator]

Get a print-out from the surgery (if in UK) we are entitled and make sure the ranges are stated.

It is an unfamiliar thing for us to do, ask for print-outs but with hypothyroid or other thyroid gland dysfunctions, it is necessary. We have to read and learn as many doctors fail to pick up when they only refer to the blood tests alone and are unaware of clinical symptoms.

[Heloise]

If you are in the UK and from very similar comments I've read here, it means they would rather not deal with whatever is wrong with you. But in reality you probably need to be treated for something. Find out the exact test results, you do have a right to them. You will see the range of "normals" for the blood test but they are very wide kathmax, and gives them the leverage to decide you do not need treatment. Unfortunately they should pay attention to symptoms but this allows them to ignore them. Are you having any?

[Fruitandnutcase]

Agree with what the others have said and will add that many years ago - possibly 20 I went to the doctor with symptoms of hypo. When the test results came back the doctor said she was very surprised that I was actually borderline hyper. I just said 'Oh' and it was left at that - some 16 years later I became quite ill and turned out to have Graves Disease (hyperactive thyroid with antibodies) I do wish I had followed up my borderline hyper but back then I knew nothing about the thyroid.

Don't be like me - get a copy of your results and see just how 'borderline' you are and in which direction.

[lc1973]

Hi Kathmax. I think you need to get the results as Shaws, Heloise and FruitandNutCase have suggested and post here again particularly if you feel symptomatic.

[Angel_of_the_North]

With a pinch of salt ... it usually means that you are ill but the NHS doesn't want to bother treating you until you are practically disabled.

Generally, the GP says borderline when you have symptoms and bloods are outside range but not by an extra 90-100% (for example, if TSH range ends at 5.5 and yours is 7, you are called borderline, even though most healthy people have a TSH around 1).