Newbie Thyroid Results.

[Alloa2013]

Hi, I've been suspected borderline Hypothyroid for a few years, but have struggled to receive a full panel test by my GP. I'm not on any medication.

I've just had my results back from my Functional Doctor, and was looking for some help in what the results mean (I'm not able to get an appointment for a few months now). My doctor seems to think it suggests Hypothyroid even though all results are within range:

Total Thyroxine (T4) 125 (58-161 nmol/L)

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) 3.60 (0.40-4.00 mIU/L)

Free Thyroxine (FT4) 14.2 (11.5-22.7 pmol/L)

Free T3 (FT3) 6.2 (2.8-6.5 pmol/L)

FT4 : FT3 Ratio 2.3 (2.0-4.5 Ratio)

Reverse T3 (rT3) * 0.49 (0.14-0.54 nmol/L)

Thyroglobulin (TG) <20

Peroxidase (TPO) <10

Many Thanks.

[Clutter]

Welcome to the forum, Alloa2013.

Good news is that thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin antibodies are negative for autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's).

TSH >2.0 indicates thyroid is struggling to produce hormone but FT4 14.2 is pretty normal for someone not on thyroid replacement. FT3 6.2 is very good, almost top of range. Your high TSH may be stimulating good FT3.

NHS won't usually diagnose hypothroidism until TSH is over range or FT4 is below range. I would certainly retest in 6-12 months as TSH is very close to top of the range. Arrange an early morning blood draw when TSH is highest, and fast (water only) as TSH drops after eating and drinking.

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/diagno...

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I am not a medical professional and this information is not intended to be a substitute for medical guidance from your own doctor. Please check with your personal physician before applying any of these suggestions.

[Alloa2013 in reply to Clutter]

Thanks Clutter,

The ranges looked pretty normal to me but as I'm symptomatic doctor is convinced I'm Hypo as I'm suffering with a lot of tiredness, weight and health issues.

I always try and have my appointments for first thing in the surgery and only drink water to keep my results consistent. Apart from this time it took a lot of effort to get a decent vein!!

For the last 2 months I've been taking magnesium regularly and digestive enzymes, and changed my diet to Gluten an Dairy free. I think the next move is to try Iodine supplementation.

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Alloa2013]

Alloa2013 Can I please just caution against iodine supplementation unless you know you need it. Too much, or too little, iodine causes problems with the thyroid.

mayoclinic.org/hypothyroidi...

chriskresser.com/iodine-for...

You can get a standard urine iodine test through Genova. Don't bother with the loading test as virtually all results show deficiencies so it isn't that reliable.

cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/446347...

townsendletter.com/Jan2013/...

It's easy to get plenty of iodine through diet, milk, yogurt and some fish is particularly good, scroll down for a table of iodine content in food:

bda.uk.com/foodfacts/Iodine...

[Clutter in reply to Alloa2013]

Alloa2013,

Unfortunately it seems that symptoms may precede abnormal bloods by months/years. A functional doctor might prescribe thyroid hormone replacement when patients are symptomatic but allopathic doctors will wait until the blood tests are abnormal.

Gluten-free is particularly recommended for Hashimoto's patients but may be beneficial if you have digestive issues.

There are conflicting views on the pros and cons of supplementing iodine. What isn't in doubt is that 200mcg selenium should be supplemented whenever someone is taking iodine.

[Marz]

I would check your levels of - B12 - FERRITIN - FOLATE - VITD - IRON. When any of these are low in their ranges - especially B12 - the symptoms can be similar to being HYPO

[Alloa2013 in reply to Marz]

Thanks Marz, have had B12 and Iron checked in the past which have been in normal range.

[shaws in reply to Alloa2013]

If you can get a copy of your results with the ranges it would be helpful and put them on a new post.

"Normal" doesn't mean a thing, particularly if they are 'low' normal.

The following from Thyroiduk will be informative. Symptoms, I believe, should be a good indication rather than the TSH which is variable anyway over 24 hours.

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

Always get a print-out of your results for your own records, particularly the ranges.

A blood test for thyroid hormones should be the earliest possible, and dont eat before it but you can drink water.

If you are taking thyroid hormones a gap of about 24 hours should elapse between the last dose and the test and take it afterwards.

[Marz in reply to Alloa2013]

Alloa2013 - when you say normal do you mean in range ? Did you actually see the results of your B12 and iron ? B12 needs to be around 1000 to prevent cognitive decline and over 500 to prevent anything neurological - which can include - where are my keys ? I have been on this forum for a few years now and must write a similar post to this one several times a week. Normal is an opinion and not a result

Being in range is one thing - but it is where you are in the range that is important ....

[Alloa2013 in reply to Marz]

Thanks Marz

Found my last results:

B12: 292 ng/l (180-900)

serum folate: 5.5 ng/l (2.1-14)

serum ferritin: 47 ug/L (10-65)

Previous thyroid tests:

All fasting first 10.40 am rest 8.50 am.

ref: TSH 0.35-5.5 / Free T4 9-24

6/1/14: 4.88 / 16.5

2/6/14: 5.89 / 15.4

24/7/14: 5.23 / 14.9

22/1/15: 3.31

7/5/15: 4.67 / 15.5

Thanks

[Marz in reply to Alloa2013]

So your B12 is way too low - see my comments above. You need to supplement around 5000 mcg daily - Jarrow Methylcobalamin B12 is one used by many - they are from amazon. Keep under the tongue until well dissolved to avoid any stomach/gut issues.

Yes your TSH is far too high for you to feel well and should be around 2.

The link below takes you to a chart on the main website of Thyroid UK ...

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

Also use this website to learn everything you need to know about the thyroid

b12deficiency.info/signs-an...

B12 Deficiency is a neurological condition - not a just a vitamin deficiency. Scroll down on the website above to view the neurological signs and symptoms. Also look at the videos - under the heading Film - to truly understand how serious B12D is ....