Husband’s latest blood results- would love an explanation please.

[Kipsy]

My husband has Hashimoto’s. Weirdly his TSH has risen and at the same time his T4 has also slightly risen. His GP doesn’t know why this would happen and is confused. He has been on 75mcg throughout. Any comments much appreciated- thank you! Results were

29 Sep 2017 - on 75mcg

TSH 2.02 (0.3-4.2)

T4 12.5 (9-19.0)

21 December 2017 - still on 75mcg as GP wouldn’t increase his dose

TSH 2.60 (0.3-4.2)

T4 13.4 (9-19.0)

I suppose the only thing or two in the GP’s favour is that he tested T4 and agreed to an increase to 100mcg today after much persuasion. Unfortunately he is one of the most senior GPs in the practice.

[Kipsy]

PS both blood tests were taken under the same circumstances- after fasting, no thyroxine for 24 hrs prior to test and both prior to 9am.

[startagaingirl]

Hi - I would think that conversion to ft3 has worsened, hence higher tsh and higher ft4. Has he had tests on vit b12, vit d, folate and ferritin? Low levels of these are almost universal with hashis and can retard conversion. Selenium also helps conversion.

[Kipsy in reply to startagaingirl]

That’s a very interesting thought- thank you for taking the trouble. His vitamin levels were last tested before the summer. I bought the relevant supplements for him. Although I try to get him to take B12, a B complex, D3, K2 and selenium supplements he is dreadful at remembering. At weekends I can monitor him but he’s definitely got worse about taking them in the week since he started a new (highly stressful) job last September. Your theory seems to fit- thank you- although if anyone else has any ideas, I’d be very keen to hear.

[activelazy in reply to Kipsy]

He should become a member here himself. This might encourage him to take his vitamins after reading their importance. And stress, whether job related or any other, is very bad for health.

[Kipsy in reply to activelazy]

Yes absolutely but he's a typical man! in a way I'm grateful that having Hashis myself has made me informed enough to help him get diagnosed, go gluten free and take the supplements when he remembers. I've had to come to terms with the fact that, however much you worry about a partner's health, stressful job (which he says he enjoys) and lifestyle choices that are not always healthy, at the end of the day he is an adult who has to be allowed to make his own choices. I would love it if he became more proactive in reading up on stuff himself but I have stoped nagging as it didn't help. Onwards and upwards!! 😩

[activelazy in reply to Kipsy]

Yes I know the feeling. You have to give up. Even your most loved ones are usually determined to learn from their own experience only albeit after suffering.

What can you do? 😀

[Kipsy in reply to activelazy]

Totally agree but such a waste of the chance to feel better. Oh well....

Happy New Year- here's to a good one X

[activelazy in reply to Kipsy]

Happy new year to you too

[Angel_of_the_North]

Hashis gradually destroys the thyroid, but as it is being destroyed, it dumps thyroid hormone into the blood, so having a slightly higher free t4 could just be the result of that. Not all Hashi flares cause you to register as hyper, especially not if there's not much thyroid left. Also the last paper diogenes posted mentioned something about TSH sometimes tracking T4 instead of going the opposite way.

[Kipsy in reply to Angel_of_the_North]

angelofthenorth Thank you! It’s so complicated but that does make sense. I will suggest it along with the vitamins issue to mention to his GP if it’s queried again. Thank you very much.