Thyroid test results

[Saz19]

I'm new to this site. Recently, I had blood tests regarding possible hypothyroidism and querying perimenopause. At the time of the test, I had the Mirena coil fitted and also taking sertraline 100mg.

My results were

TSH 1.7

Ferritin 38

Cholesterol 4.6

HDL 1.5

LDL 2.8

LH 4.3

Follicle stimulating hormone 2.1

After I was advised that all results were in the normal range, I decided to have the Mirena removed and I have very gradually tapered off the sertraline.

I was hoping to feel much better but can't say that I do. Still very sluggish, unable to loose weight (I went sugar free some months ago and did not loose anything), foggy, had hair shedding for many years, constipation (now taking a herbal supplement), migraine, heavy bleeding after coil removed (reason for it) awaiting next period etc

Just wanted advice/comments on the results. B12 and t3/4 not tested. I'm 43.

Thanks

[SlowDragon Administrator]

As you have probably realised, just testing TSH is inadequate.

You need TSH and at same time to include FT4 & FT3 and also TT4

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

TPO is rarely checked and TG almost never checked. More common to have high TPO or high TPO AND high TG, but negative TPO and raised TG is possible, though rarer.

If you have Hashimoto's then you may find adopting 100% gluten free diet can really help reduce symptoms

If they have not been done ......Suggest you ask GP to also check levels of vitamin d, b12, & folate. These all need to at good (not just average) levels for thyroid hormones (our own or replacement ones) to work in our cells - as well as good levels of ferritin

Your ferritin result is on the low side. We really need it around 70. Lots of posts on here about which supplements to take & how to improve

ALWAYS Make sure you get the actual figures from tests (including ranges - figures in brackets). You are entitled to copies of your own results.

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...

Special offer at moment

thyroiduk.org.uk/medichecks

[Saz19 in reply to SlowDragon]

Thanks very much for your detailed reply. I will take forward your suggestions. The other tests you mentioned were not completed.

I did get my results but only after requesting them.

Thanks again.