Trying to find whats wrong

[lindybarr]

I am trying to get a diagnosis so i have been looking at this site for a while now,i have so many similar symptons,my blood test reads TSH level 2 mIU/L T4 level 12,B12 501ng?L,Folate 13.2 ug/L,can anyone tell me what they think please

[Clutter]

Welcome to the forum, Lindybarr.

Do you have the lab ref range for the T4 result?

[lindybarr in reply to Clutter]

yes its 9.00 - 19.00pmol/L

[Clutter in reply to lindybarr]

Lindybarr,

TSH 2.0 indicates your thyroid may be starting to struggle to produce hormone but with T4 12 doesn't currently indicate thyroid dysfunction. NHS would need to see TSH over range (usually >5.0) and FT4 <9.0 before hypothyroidism is diagnosed.

You could supplement 200mcg selenium which is thyroid friendly.

B12 >500 is unlikely to be deficient and folate 13.2 is usually adequate.

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

[lindybarr in reply to Clutter]

thank you so much for the help

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Have you had thyroid antibodies checked? There are two sorts TPO Ab and TG Ab. (Thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin) Both need checking, if either, or both are high this means autoimmune thyroid - called Hashimoto's the most common cause in UK of being hypo.

(NHS rarely checks TPO and almost never checks TG. NHS believes it is impossible to have negative TPO and raised TG. It's rare, but not impossible, there are a few members on here that have this.)

You can have high antibodies and "normal" in-range TSH and FT4 (which can still be giving you symptoms. If the antibodies aren't tested then you won't get diagnosed.

ALWAYS Make sure you get the actual figures from thyroid and vitamin tests (including ranges - figures in brackets). You are entitled to copies of your own results. Some surgeries make nominal charge for printing out.

Alternatively you can now ask for online access to your own medical records. Though not all surgeries can do this yet, or may not have blood test results available yet online.

When you get results suggest you make a new post on here and members can offer advice on any vitamin supplements needed

If you can not get GP to do these tests, then like many of us, you can get them done privately

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

Blue Horizon - Thyroid plus eleven tests all these. £99

This is an easy to do fingerprick test you do at home, post back and they email results to you couple of days later.

Usual advice on ALL thyroid tests, (home one or on NHS) is to do early in morning, ideally before 9am. No food or drink beforehand (other than water) If you are taking Levo, then don't take it in 24 hours before (take straight after). This way your tests are always consistent, and it will show highest TSH, and as this is mainly all the medics decide dose on, best idea is to keep result as high as possible

If you have Hashimoto's then you may find adopting 100% gluten free diet can help reduce symptoms, and lower antibodies too.

Selenium supplements can help improve conversion, reduce symptoms and lower antibodies

[lindybarr]

Thanks i will ask for an antibodie test

[shaws Administrator]

our Post is quite common and sometimes it is difficult to get a diagnose. These are a few links from Thyroiduk.org.uk website which has also got good information and you can become a member too, if you wish.

When you have a blood test for thyroid hormones, always make the very earliest appointment and fasting (although you can drink water). If you were on levothyroxine or other thyroid hormones you'd allow 24 hours gap between last dose and the test and take afterwards.

Always get a print-out of your results with the ranges. Labs differ in ranges so it makes it easier for members to comment upon them.

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

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

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

The above is for hypothyroidism but if you have antibodies it will be an Autoimmune Condition called Hashimoto's. Doctor has to check for antibodies.

Most doctors only do a TSH and T4 whereas we need a full picture and if GP wont do so you can have a private blood test form a recommended lab.