Your results please? Fasting non fasting

[lisan1]

Trying to figure out if it's best to have the TSH test fasting or not since I've read that fasting suppresses TSH but generally people advice you to fast.

So anyone had tests done at same time of day and fasting non fasting?

[Hidden]

Yep I did my first lot of tests after I'd had breakfast (as I was a noob and didn't know about the fasting thing) - my TSH was 3.43 (range 0.27 - 4.20). I did another test 6 weeks later, this time fasting early morning and my TSH was 4.95 (same range).

[lisan1 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you!

Oh, were they done at the same time in the morning?

[Hidden in reply to lisan1]

Yes.

[lisan1 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks!

[AiryFairie in reply to Hidden]

Did you take any thyroid replacement tablets (Levothyroxine etc) before the

tests?

[Hidden in reply to AiryFairie]

No, I was not on any Levo at that point, I was still undiagnosed. I only started Levo 2.5 wks ago.

[AiryFairie in reply to Hidden]

Good job you found out you should "fast" then, eh? Well done! I hope you feel better soon.

[Hidden in reply to AiryFairie]

Yes it is! And thanks! Good luck with any future testing.

[Clutter]

Lisan1,

Fasting doesn't suppress TSH but TSH does drop after eating and drinking.

[AiryFairie in reply to Clutter]

I feel a bit of a numpty. It's only since joining HealthUnlocked I learned the significance of fasting, not taking Levo beforehand, and getting the blood test done early as possible. Two months ago, feeling increasingly unwell, I asked to be tested again. Unfortunately I had the test at 3.00pm, after Levo, breakfast and lunch, and was well in range, so no increase in dose for me! I'll know next time! That's if I can even persuade GP to let me have another test so soon.

[Clutter in reply to AiryFairie]

Jannie1957,

Well none of us is born knowing these things so no reason why you should feel a numpty

If your thyroid levels are optimal it is worth having your ferritin, vitamin D, B12 and folate checked as they are commonly low/deficient in hypothyroid patients and symptoms can be very similar to hypothyroid symptoms.

[AiryFairie in reply to Clutter]

Thank you Clutter, I am addressing those issues. After a few weeks of supplementing, my "brain fog" is significantly better. But low mood, sleeplessness, lethargy and constipation remain (like before original diagnosis). I will try with GPs one more time, but if they won't test me again, I may then go down the home-testing route. At least I now have knowledge and options.