How to maximise TSH test

[Nicki24110]

I'm having my 3 month TSH and folate test tomorrow at 8.15. My last test was 4.10 and high antibodies but they won't give me treatment until I'm between 5 and 5.5. My question is, how can I maximise my chances of TSH being at it's highest? I really need some treatment HELP!

[greygoose]

Fast over-night - have breakfast after the test. TSH is highest early in the morning and drops throughout the day - if you could have your test at 7 am, that would be great! But, I know that's difficult. 8.15 should be quite good, too - as long as they're on time! TSH also drops after eating. I don't know what else you could do.

[Nicki24110 in reply to greygoose]

Thanks for that greygoose. 8.15 was the earliest I could get into the docs for the test. I really hope it's out of range so I can have treatment because I'm shattered all the time and loads of other symptoms

[humanbean in reply to Nicki24110]

You can drink water while you're fasting. And it is important to avoid dehydration before getting blood taken, so do drink some.

[Nicki24110 in reply to humanbean]

Thanks human bean, I will

[greygoose in reply to Nicki24110]

I understand. It's just a pity that doctors rely so much on TSH for diagnosing, when they don't even understand it!

[Nicki24110 in reply to greygoose]

I could understand them not treating me if my antibodies weren't high and I hadn't had a scan or symptoms but they know there's a problem, they said I'd need treatment 'some time'

It's so frustrating

[greygoose in reply to Nicki24110]

They just don't seem to like diagnosing and treating people with thyroid problems - well, hypo problems - especially if there's antibodies - which they really, really don't understand!

[Nicki24110 in reply to greygoose]

I've seen 2 doctors about it and they both said they won't treat until TSH is out of range. It's crazy! Especially when they know and admit there's a problem with it

[greygoose in reply to Nicki24110]

Oh, they're just covering their backs because that's what the guide-lines say. They can't tell the difference between 'guide-lines' and 'hard and fast rules'!

[shaws Administrator]

I think your'e doing fine by getting an 8.15 appointment. TSH is highest early a.m.

As you have high antibodies they should treat. I shall give you an extract from Dr Toft who was ex President of the BTA. This is an excerpt but you can tell GP you've become a member of Thyroiduk.org.uk an NHS Choices for information/advice about dysfunctions of the thyroid gland and have been given some advice. Usually you have to email [e-mail] for a copy of Dr Toft's article but I'll give you a part of it:-

2 I often see patients who have an elevated TSH but normal T4. How should I be managing them?

The combination of a normal serum T4 and raised serum TSH is known as subclinical hypothyroidism. If measured, serum T3 will also be normal. Repeat the thyroid function tests in two or three months in case the abnormality represents a resolving thyroiditis.2

But if it persists then antibodies to thyroid peroxidase should be measured. If these are positive – indicative of underlying autoimmune thyroid disease – the patient should be considered to have the mildest form of hypothyroidism.

In the absence of symptoms some would simply recommend annual thyroid function tests until serum TSH is over 10mU/l or symptoms such as tiredness and weight gain develop. But a more pragmatic approach is to recognise that the thyroid failure is likely to become worse and try to nip things in the bud rather than risk loss to follow-up.

Treatment should be started with levothyroxine in a dose sufficient to restore serum TSH to the lower part of its reference range. Levothyroxine in a dose of 75-100µg daily will usually be enough.

If there are no thyroid peroxidase antibodies, levothyroxine should not be started unless serum TSH is consistently greater than 10mU/l. A serum TSH of less than 10mU/l in the absence of antithyroid peroxidase antibodies may simply be that patient’s normal TSH.

[Nicki24110 in reply to shaws]

Thanks Shaws, I'll show my GP on Tuesday when I visit for my results. I'm so pleased that I joined this group, I don't feel so isolated

[eeng]

It is said that exercise uses up thyroid hormones. I know you feel rubbish, but maybe you could go for a brisk stroll this evening? It's got to be worth a try.