Which thyroid test do I need ?

[Ocobblepot]

Hi I've got what I believe to be symptoms of an underactive thyroid but my gp does not seem interested he used the phrase "worried well" what blood test do I need to get my thyroid checked, can anyone advise ? Thanks

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Ocobblepot

Ideally you need TSH, FT4 and FT3. Thyroid antibodies a good idea as well. If GP wont do them (they can't do FT3 and rarely do thyroid antibodies) then we have recommended labs which do home fingerprick (or venous blood draw) tests.

[Ocobblepot]

Ok thanks how do I go about that?

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Ocobblepot]

Ocobblepot

If you want a full thyroid panel plus vitamins and minerals (always useful) then

medichecks.com/thyroid-func... or

bluehorizonmedicals.co.uk/t...

Thyroid panel only

medichecks.com/thyroid-func... or

bluehorizonmedicals.co.uk/t...

Both companies offer the exact same tests and use accredited labs. No guarantee that your GP will accept the results, but it might spur him/her to do their own if the private tests show signs of hypothyroidism.

Medichecks have special prices until midnight tomorrow (Monday) due to Black Friday weekend - 20% off. The special prices are shown on the pages linked to.

[Ocobblepot in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thanks do I need a gp referral before I speak to these people?

[greygoose in reply to Ocobblepot]

No.

[Clutter in reply to Ocobblepot]

Ocobblepot,

Nope, they'll send you the kits on your request. Results will be sent you after a couple of days. You can write the results and the ranges (the figures in brackets after the results) in a new post and members will interpret and advise you.

[Ocobblepot]

Are the members doctors and nurses who interpret them?

[Jazzw in reply to Ocobblepot]

Nope, just us ordinary citizens. But many members here are highly experienced at reading thyroid blood test results and would never patronise you with the words “worried well”.

[Sylpops]

Hi Ocobblepot

It is YOUR right to have thyroid function test. Insist and if he/she still refuses, then report them. My GPS do annual blood tests, which include thyroid function test, plus others including liver and kidney function, all vitamin and mineral, diabetes. I call it my MOT

[Ocobblepot in reply to Sylpops]

Hi thankyou I think I will get a full blood test mot done given my underlying history, how much does it cost for a my thyroid , kidney function , liver function , cardiac panel and fasting lipid & glucose cost? I hate getting my bloods done so may as well get it all done at once.

[Sylpops in reply to Ocobblepot]

Hi Ocobblepot

The blood tests should be free via your GP, like I said my GP does them annually whether you need them or not. It is part of annual check up. Like I said insist on them and don't take no as an answer. Otherwise change to a more sympathetic doctor.