How normal are these results? Advice please

[Strongshell3]

Hi all.....

My TSH level is 2.99

My T4 level is 12.7

Could you have symptoms of underactive thyroid with these results?

Any advice appreciated x

[Clutter]

Strongshell,

Do you have the lab ref range for T4 12.7 (the figures in brackets after results)?

TSH 2.99 is within normal range but TSH >2 does indicate your thyroid is beginning to struggle. Symptoms can precede abnormal bloods by months/years so I think it is possible that your symptoms may be due to low thyroid. Unfortunately, NHS will not diagnose hypothyroidism until either TSH is over range or T4 below range.

It may be worth supplementing 200mcg selenium which is good thyroid support to slow progression to hypothyroidism.

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/diagno...

It is also worth asking your GP to check ferritin, vitamin D, B12 and folate as low/deficient levels can cause symptoms quite similar to hypothyroidism.

[Strongshell3 in reply to Clutter]

Hi clutter

Thanks for your reply.

The lab range for TSH is 0.30-4.20

T4 is 9.00 - 23.00

I am on prescription vit d

At the end of September my ferritin level was 16. I have been taking spa tone iron off and on since then.Throughout life I have regularly have had low iron.

I had an ultrasound a few weeks ago because of heavy Menstrual bleeding. I have a thinking of the uterus. Due to have another scan at the end of the month.

I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia last year however I have niggling feeling that my thyroid may not be okay. There is a strong family history of underactive thyroid.

I also have EDS.

Difficult to manage all symptoms sometimes

X

[Clutter in reply to Strongshell3]

Strongshell3,

T4 12.7 is low in range but not desperately low. As I said, you won't get a hypothyroid diagnosis until TSH is >4.20 or T4 <9.0.

Spatone has so little elemental iron in it that it is unlikely to be helpful. Heavy mentrual bleeding can be due to iron deficiency. I recommend you request the iron panel and full blood count I mentioned above. If iron deficiency is confirmed you will need 2 or 3 x 210mg Ferrous Fumarate daily to raise iron and ferritin.

What was your vitD level. 800iu is a maintenance dose to take after vitamin D deficiency is corrected. It is insufficient to raise deficient of low vitD levels.

[Strongshell3]

Okay that’s interesting.

I was going to make a telephone appointment with my GP tomrorow and request a new blood test. After reading your comments I will definitely ask for the ferrous fumarate and a new blood test.

My rheumatologist recommended the vitamin D. It’s 20,000iu. But that might not be necessary now so I will ask for a vitamin D levels to checked in blood test. I suspect my levels are okay now and I could just have the maintanice dose.

My GP can be helpful when pushed. Do you think it would be beneficial to start medication for thyroid?

I have debilitating fatigue and I’m desperate to try anything that might help.

Your help and advice is appreciated.

Xx

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Ferritin is extremely low. That dose is not enough to improve levels either

See SeasideSusie rely to similar

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

Important to also test vitamin B12 and folate

Fibromyalgia is often misdiagnosed hypothyroidism

Sounds very much like you have this, possibly autoimmune thyroid disease, especially if family members already have Thyroid problems

(Also called Hashimoto's)

Ask GP to test thyroid antibodies. If antibodies are raised you are far more likely to be treated

You also really need FT3 tested, very unlikely to get that on NHS

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

If you can't get full thyroid and vitamin testing from GP

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.

All thyroid tests should be done as early as possible in morning and fasting. This gives highest TSH and most consistent results

[Strongshell3]

Thank you for all the info.

I looked at private testing months ago and I asked one of the GPS in my surgery should I get it done! he told me no point his test is enough 😬 so frustrating !!

Thanks again xxx