newbie

[Khloe1115]

Hi I think I have something wrong with my thyroid. It is swollen and lumpy I also have pernicious anaemia. I have a high TSH of 5.6 (0.2 - 4.2) advice welcome thanks

[shaws Administrator]

If you are in the UK, doctors have been told not to diagnose hypothyroidism until the TSH reaches 10.

However, if you can get a Free T4 and Free T3 blood test, and if these are very low the doctor (if he knows anything ay all about hypo) may prescribe 50mcg of levothyroxine and you get a blood test every six weeks. You have to have the tests at the very earliest, fasting (you can drink water) and allow a gap of 24 hours between your last dose of levo and the test and take afterwards. The NHS doesn't usually do these but some doctors may be able to.

If GP or lab wont do the above you an get a private test from one of our recommended labs.

Medichecks and Blue Horizon do a selection of home pin-prick tests and make sure you are well-hydrated so you can draw blood easily.

All tests for thyroid hormones have to be at the very earliest, fasting (you can drink water) and allow a gap of 24 hours from your last dose and the test and take afterwards. This gives us better results.

Ask GP to also test B12, Vit D, iron, ferritin and folate too.

[Clutter]

Welcome to the forum, Khloe115.

TSH is over range. Have you asked your GP why hypothyroidism has not been diagnosed and Levothyroxine replacement prescribed?

Some GPs follow a protocol which means that the first abnormal result is ignored in case non-thyroidal illness is elevating TSH. If so, you should have been asked to have a follow up thyroid test in 2-3 months when any such illness would be expected to have resolved.