Test Interpretation

[Saraband]

I've just received the results from my thyroid test with Blue Horizon. I'd really appreciate any insights. I have an appointment early tomorrow morning with my gp.

Thank you!

[NatChap]

Hi, I'm sorry you haven't had any replies in time for your appointment. There are others more experienced than me who may give more comprehensive advice but at quick glance, your TSH is too high, it is better below 1. B12 could do with being higher, general advice is definitely over 500 and ideally nearer 100. Your ferritin is very high, if you are supplementing then stop for a while and if not then maybe post as a separate question because I don't know why else it would be that high? Free T3 isn't too bad but there is definitely room to increase, most people feel better with it nearer the top end of the range.

I'm sure others will be along to give more help soon xx

[Saraband in reply to NatChap]

Thank you, NatChap, I've just got back from the appointment. (It was unfortunate that the test results came back so late - didn't really give you good folk on here much opportunity to respond.) I'm really pleased with how the appointment went and will make a separate post on it. Suffice to say here that the gp has given me a 3-month trial on 50mg levo which I'll start tomorrow. She seemed so well informed! Your comments re B12 are interesting; I had assumed from the ranges that it was ok so that's something to look into. I'm not supplementing iron or ferritin specifically though I do take a general vit & min supplement and I'll look at what it includes in this regard. Thanks again for replying

[NatChap in reply to Saraband]

I'm glad your GP is open minded I hadn't realised that you weren't taking any thyroid meds yet so I think you and your gp are doing the right thing by starting them, what would've happened if not is that your TSH would gradually have crept up while your T3 dropped. Yes B12 is an important vitamin too but when you supplement make sure it is with Methylcolbalamin and add a good quality B Complex too to balance them as they work together. Selenium is recommended too as it helps support your thyroid gland. x

[dang]

Are you supplementing iron?

TSH is still too high what type of thyroid meds do you take and how much? You need an increase.

Considering these values are outside the ranges I'm assuming your doctor is working with you on this?

[dang in reply to dang]

I just checked your previous post, you're not on any thyroid meds currently? I see that your last tests results were from a week ago.

Do you have symptoms of hypothyroidism? High TSH can be caused by a virus, infection, bacteria. When someone is sick TSH goes up, that's not just for people with thyroid issues.

The ferritin result really needs to be looked into, especially if you aren't supplementing. A result that high points to other problems which could be the root of your issues. Take these results to your doctor, show them the high ferritin. You should have a full iron panel and blood count panel done to figure out why your level is so high. Optimal levels of ferritin are generally around halfway in the range. Most of us hypos are very low in the range.

[Saraband in reply to dang]

Hi dang, thank you for taking the trouble to look back at my previous post. Yes, I have symptoms of hypothyroidism - quite a few, but what led me to see the gp (without knowing anything about the symptoms of hypothyroidism) were weight gain, fatigue, insomnia, low mood, brain fog, the need to think very slowly. My father has hypothyroidism and diabetes; I control my prediabetes with strict diet.

The first results I posted were from the gp's tests and didn't include anything beyond TSH and free T4. I had the tests on this current post done privately and my gp has been happy to use them which was a welcome surprise. She has prescribed a trial of 50mg levo for 3 months.

She noted the ferritin levels but didn't seem too concerned about them and has proposed retesting those too in 3 months. I'll make a separate post about them in case anyone can offer further thoughts on that.

I do appreciate your input

[dang in reply to Saraband]

Good that your GP is open to it. Yes it would be a good idea to make a separate post specifically about the high ferritin as this could get the attention of more knowledgable members

All the best!