Dr said Thyroid test is "normal", but I'm not c... - Thyroid UK

Thyroid UK

137,796 members161,615 posts

Dr said Thyroid test is "normal", but I'm not convinced!

cakeybleeder profile image
1 Reply

My wife has suffered with Hypothyroidism for decades so I'm well aware of the symptoms. I do have some of the symptoms and have had them for many years though not to the same degree, I had my thyroid function tested and my Doctors receptionist told me the test showed no abnormalities and they wouldn't entertain a follow up appointment.

Following a request for the results, this is what it showed

TSH 3.61 mui/L (0.35 - 5.00mui/L)

T4 serum free level 15.4 pmol/L (11.00 - 23.00pmol/L)

I am reading conflicting advice online about these results (sample extract below), can anyone shed any light on it please? Many thanks in advance

"Your first challenge: Don’t accept “normal” as a result for your thyroid test. At most labs, the reference range for the TSH test is from around .5 to 5.0. The problem is, many doctors deem any test result within that range as “normal.” But in my practice, I’ve found TSH levels less than 2.0 to reflect adequate thyroid function. But if all you hear is “your thyroid tests were normal” – without knowing the actual number – you won’t know that your TSH above 2.0 may be indicative of low-level hypothyroidism.

Your second challenge: The TSH test is not infallible, and it can miss situations where the actual levels of thyroid hormone are not sufficient. So make sure your doctor runs the Free T4 and Free T3 levels, and gives you not only the results, but the reference ranges. What I like to see is a Free T4 in the top half of the reference range, and a Free T3 at least at the midpoint of the reference range, if not higher."

Written by
cakeybleeder profile image
cakeybleeder
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
1 Reply
SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator

Suggest you get full Thyroid test, plus antibodies and essential vitamins done.

Assume you are aware that a thyroid test should be early as possible in morning & fasting

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

Most popular is Medichecks Thyroid plus ultra vitamin or Blue Horizon Thyroid plus eleven. Same tests, just different companies.

DIY finger prick test or option to pay extra for private blood draw

You may also like...

I'm new here, struggling with underactive thyroid, and blood tests.

pmol/L Normal Range 12 - 22 T3 Normal 3.59 pmol/L Normal Range 3.1 - 6.8 Thyroid Peroxidase...

Thyroid Symptoms with normal blood tests

hyper thyroid including voice changes but every time I do blood tests results come out within...

So many symptoms & genetic history but tests say I'm normal?

2 mU/L) - Your result is 2.74 FT4 levels normal (normal range 12 - 22 pmol/L) - Your result is...

Thyroid with normal tests?

50pmol/L. In tests 3 years ago they only tested FT4 and it was 16. Last week had Tpo ab test done...

'Normal' thyroid test results? Should I pursue them?

have my thyroid test again. I got my results back last week and my doctor said they are normal but...