Abnormal results

[cpwhealth]

My results last month were

T4 15.2 (9.0-24.0)

TSH 0.09 (0.2-4.5)

Abnormal ?

Please could someone tell me what these results indicate, my GP thinks they are ok, but the lab says they are abnormal?!

[Lisa31SW]

It depends on the lab ranges that they use but I would say from your readings that you might have hyperthyroidism as generally with this your TSH level is low and your T4 level would be high. Hope this helps you and maybe push for a consult with an endocrinologist. Lisa

[greygoose]

The lab just says that because your TSH is suppressed. It's out of the so-called 'normal' range. But, once you are on thyroid hormone replacement, the TSH is irrelevant. A low TSH, of and by itself, in no way proves 'hyperthyroidism'. Or, in your case - because you are hypo - over-medication. You need to look at your FT4 result.

Your FT4 is not even mid-range, which is why your GP thinks they're ok. But, to be honest, they look to me as if you could do with an increase in dose. Most people need their FT4 to be at least over mid-range to feel well.

But, neither of these results can give you any sort of definitive answer. What you need to see is your FT3. If that is also low, and you don't feel well, then you really do need an increase in dose. You might not be converting T4 to T3 very well, but only by testing the two at the same time, will you know that.

[cpwhealth in reply to greygoose]

Thanks for reply my results in May this year were

T4 21 (9-24 )

TSH 0.02 (0.2-4.5 )

which made my GP decide to reduce my dose of tyroxine from 125mg to 100mg. But I must admit I have been feeling awful for the last few months and my weight has been slowly increasing which I do not like!!

[greygoose in reply to cpwhealth]

Well, it would! There was no reason to decrease your 'meds' unless your FT3 was over-range. But, he didn't test it, did he. So, he wouldn't know! Always put up a fight when your doctor wants to reduce your dose just because the TSH is low. Doctors know nothing about thyroid, nothing at all! So, that means that you have to know what's going on, and fight your corner. Otherwise, he will make you very, very sick!

[SlowDragon Administrator]

You are presumably taking Levo as you are hypothyroid, therefore you can ignore low TSH.

But your FT4 is only mid-range. Normally we feel better with this higher. It might indicate you could go with an increase in dose.

Do you have symptoms ? How do you feel? If OK, just leave well alone

As greygoose says, you (or GP) can't tell if dose is correct, you need full tests including FT3.....and also ideally vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 testing. If these are too low (and they often are) then you will be struggling to use thyroid hormones

[cpwhealth in reply to SlowDragon]

Thanks for that, I will have to pluck up courage to see GP again, he is not an easy person to talk to. And yes I am feeling exhausted all the time, along with the weight gain, but before I go back up to the 125mg dose should ask tor the other blood test to be done.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to cpwhealth]

Alternatively get full testing privately and then, assuming things need correcting, and particularly if you need dose increase take private test results to GP

Many, many of us have to do this, in part because GP's think "we're just making a fuss" or even if GP agrees and wants to test they can't get FT3, antibodies or all the essential vitamins tested

If after seeing the results, they want to retest at their own lab, they can always do so.

My GP is happy to use the results I provide and, because I always test antibodies, I have been able to clearly demonstrate that since changing to gluten free diet this has reduced antibodies further at each test. 20 years of Hashimoto's before gluten free antibodies always remained sky high

As a result my GP is now advocating gluten free to other Hashimoto's patients

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

Medichecks Thyroid plus ultra vitamin or Blue Horizon Thyroid plus eleven are the most popular choice. DIY finger prick test or option to pay extra for private blood draw. Both companies often have money off offers. Option to pay extra for private blood draw at local to you clinic. Or DIY finger prick test

Most importantly

All thyroid tests should be done as early as possible in morning and fasting and don't take Levo in the 24 hours prior to test, delay and take straight after.

[cpwhealth in reply to SlowDragon]

Thanks for that I need to do some investigating!! What is the usual cost for getting these tests done?

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to cpwhealth]

£99 (plus £25 if you pay for private blood draw). Both often do offers at £79