Help interpreting bloods please

[tiredBFmum]

Hello

My medichecks results are in and doctor left comments saying all fine.

Are they borderline hypo?

I've never been diagnosed and never taken thyroid medication but have many hypothyroid symptoms especially in the years after birth although I may just be tired mum I'm not convinced. Thanks

[Skeptical]

In the US any functional medicine doctor would consider you on the low side. They like to see TSH below 2. Your free T4 is quite low but the active form of thyroid hormone T3 is fine. I'm not sure what is available in the U.K as far as supplements, but consider taking a selenium supplement or perhaps a combination thyroid supplement that usually has selenium, zinc and some other helpful herbs. You may also need a little iodine. The best place to start with that is to add seaweed to your diet. Or consider using some nacent iodine which is a good form and fairly low dose. I find that iherb is a good source for supplements. They usually give a discount to first time shoppers when you use the code FAC307.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

tiredBFmum Yes, they are borderline hypo. In another country you would have a diagnosis of hypothyroidism as your TSH is over 3. Your FT4 is on the very bottom of the range.

Did you do this test very early in the morning, no later than 8.30-9.00am and fasting? That's when TSH is highest, which is what you need.

[tiredBFmum in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thanks which countries out of interest?

Test was around 9.30am as that's the earliest I could do and didn't have breakfast.

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to tiredBFmum]

Most countries other than the UK.

[ITYFIALMCTT in reply to tiredBFmum]

Timeline of changing TSH values for determining subclinical/flagrant hypothyroidism. tpauk.com/main/article/the-...

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

tiredBFmum Don't take a thyroid support supplement, and particularly don't take iodine in any form unless tested, found to be deficient and then find a practioner experienced in iodine supplementing.

[Nanaedake]

I agree with SeasideSusie that you shouldn't supplement iodine without the ongoing support and advice of an experienced, qualified practitioner. It can adversely affect thyroid conditions.

[tiredBFmum]

Thanks for all your responses

Where do I go from here? What do I do next?

Feeling very down, exhausted, anxious and frustrated tbh.

1) Should I get reverse T3 tested?

2) If my free t3 is middle of range does it matter that my free t4 is on the low borderline?

3) Have my two normal antibody test results ruled out Hashi etc?

4) Should I get my iodine tested and do I test urine or blood for that?

5) Does the 3.4 TSH rule out central/secondary hypothyroidism? Or shall I test pituitary function through private blood tests?

I take iodine in my breastfeeding multi vitamins (only 150mcg daily) and I know requirements for breastfeeding (BF) women are a lot higher than normal and my uk diet of non-iodized salt, organic milk and white fish only once a week would not give me enough iodine through diet.

i'm taking 30mcg vit D3 on top as my vit D was insufficient and cant take loading d3 doses due to BF. also exposing arms in midday sun every day (?!england ha ha ha)

Sorry for so many questions and thanks for anyone who reads this. My GP would never listen or answer or know any of these questions I bet so I dont know who else to ask.