High TSH but normal T4?

Could be a conversion problem - low T3. Were his antibodies tested?

He needs to get both thyroid antibodies checked so he can exclude autoimmune thyroiditis, companies like Medichecks and Blue Horizon offer postal finger-prick tests which are reliable. The antibody tests should include Free T3 as well.

I have the same results as your husband but my antibodies are normal. A private endocrinologist told me it was likely to be subacute/transient thyroiditis which is thought to be caused by a temporary viral or bacterial illness. He said the thyroid results will sometimes return to normal after the body fights off the illness. He said some people do remain hypothyroid permanently and they are welcome to try levothyroxine medication to see if they feel better.

My NHS GP was confused as my TSH was 6.3 but Free T4 appeared normal. He has referred me to an NHS endocrinologist who I have yet to see. When I finally see the NHS endocrinologist, I am going to ask to trial levothyroxine.

If I can give you some further advice, only have the thyroid bloods tested in the morning around 8 or 9 am, that is when the TSH is highest. In the afternoon, TSH drops quite a bit and your husband's results would probably be within range at that point.

Unfortunately for me, I had a private doctor pressured me to have blood taken after a consultation at 7:30 PM, my TSH had dropped to 3.1 and he recommended against treatment based on that result.

EDIT:

Regarding your husband's situation, you need to ask the GP how long he intends to monitor the thyroid for before accepting that your husband is hypothyroid. I've heard that GP's like to see an elevated TSH over a 6 month period before they'll treat it. Their concern is the TSH may be the result of a temporary illness.

Raised blood pressure can be a Hypo symptom. Also test B12 - folate - Ferritin - VitD - all are often low when hypo and can make you feel rotten.

In other countries we would be diagnosed if TSH was over 3 but in the UK, the criteria is that the TSH has to reach 10. I think whoever thought up this number must have been suffering with hypo as it just doesn't make sense, especially when your husband's TSH is above the top range.

good dr bec he is right.....