New test results

[Jillycee]

I have been for my blood test at the GPs this week and today collected my results, but they have only done the TSH levels. I'm presuming that they are pretty useless on their own and won't tell me anything without having the FT3 and FT4 done? Thank you

[Clutter]

Jillycee,

High TSH will tell you that you are under medicated. If you have Low TSH it will be presumed your FT4 and FT3 are adequate but won't guarantee it or tell you whether you are converting T4 to T3 well or not.

[Jillycee in reply to Clutter]

Thank you Clutter. My TSH this time was 2.29 and as I felt well when I was 0.25, I wondered whether I should be having an increase in Levothyroxine, but I suspect the GP wouldn't increase anyway. I think perhaps the way forward is just to have the full Thyroid test from Blue Horizons every 6 months so that I have all of the results at the same time and maybe ask the GP just to prescribe from those results. Thank again

[Clutter in reply to Jillycee]

Jillycee,

TSH 2.29 means you are under medicated and should ask your GP to increase dose. The goal of Levothyroxine is to restore the patient to euthyroid status. For most patients that will be when TSH is 1.0 or lower with FT4 in the upper range. FT4 needs to be in the upper range in order that sufficient T3 is converted. Read Treatment Options in thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_... Email [e-mail] if you would like a copy of the Pulse article to show your GP.

[Jillycee in reply to Clutter]

Thank you Clutter. I do have the Pulse article from Louise and have taken it to my GP before but she is not interested in reading it as she says she hasn't the time!! I've asked if I can leave it with her, but it was an outright no ......... slightly frustrating to say the least !!

[Clutter in reply to Jillycee]

Jillycee,

If your GP won't help you perhaps it is time to change GP or GP practice.

[Jillycee in reply to Clutter]

Thank you Clutter, I think you may be right!! I emailed them to ask if they had tested for FT3 or FT4 and the doctor has said that they didn't test for FT4 but if I want that done I can go back, but they will only test for FT3 if I pay!!