Need help with blood test results : Hello folks... - Thyroid UK

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Need help with blood test results

Ch0pp3r profile image
13 Replies

Hello folks

Any help appreciated.

I went to my GP about a month ago as I had a varied range of symptoms that was making me feel fairly crappy and my GP said it could be my thyroid.

I got my bloods done and the results were

Results

Free thyroid 23.8

TSH 2.75.

So apparently according to my GP one is normal and one is slightly high which just means that it’s normal because they go by the normal one? But it’s worthwhile getting it re tested in awhile. I’ve to get it done next Friday. I’m based in the UK.

Are they normal?

Thanks

Chris

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Ch0pp3r profile image
Ch0pp3r
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13 Replies
greygoose profile image
greygoose

Hi Ch0pp3r welcome to the forum.

The high level, I imagine is your FT4, a thyroid hormone. The TSH is a pituitary hormone, and whilst your doctor might think it's 'normal', all that really means is that it's in-range. What it tells us is that your thyroid is struggling. So, yes, it would be worthwhile getting it done again in a few months.

When you go for your next test, make sure your appointment is as early in the morning as possible - before 9 am - and fast over-night. You can have your breakfast after the blood draw. That way, you will get the highest TSH possible, and are more likely to get a diagnosis. The TSH is highest early in the morning, and drops throughout the day. It also drops after eating.

Always make sure you get a print-out of your results, and keep your own records. If you live in the UK, it is your legal right to have a copy. And, when you post them on here, make sure you put the ranges. Ranges are the numbers in brackets, after the result. They help us to interpret the result, and vary from lab to lab. :)

Marz profile image
Marz

I would also ask for thyroid anti-bodies to be tested to rule out Hashimotos - which is auto-mmune and the most common thyroid condition. Without that test your GP cannot argue.

Low B12 - Folate - Ferritin & VitD can also make you feel unwell so insist they are also tested. When you have the results with ranges pop them in a new post/thread so more people see them 😊

Ch0pp3r profile image
Ch0pp3r

Thank you both for the reply. My blood test is scheduled for 10am next Friday so I’ll do as you recommend and fast before it. Then when I ring the nurse for the results I’ll ask her what the ranges are and post them here for you all to see.

Thanks again :)

Marz profile image
Marz in reply toCh0pp3r

.... are you able to decide what is being tested - or is that not possible ?

Ch0pp3r profile image
Ch0pp3r in reply toMarz

No I don’t think so. As far as I know (quick google) here in the UK TSH level is the gold standard of diagnosing. So I’m guessing the GP will see what the bloods show. They could be back to normal or what they class as normal. If it’s what they class as normal then I’ll probably have a fight on my hands because it seems to be common practise. From googling my TSH level would be considered high in Germany and the US but here it has to be above 4.5 for it to be classed as high.

Marz profile image
Marz in reply toCh0pp3r

What about asking for the vits and minerals to be tested as mentioned above ? Also thyroid anti-bodies need to be tested.

Are you able to have private testing done at home through Thyroid UK - that way you can have the correct tests done and be in control 😊

Ch0pp3r profile image
Ch0pp3r in reply toMarz

When I was sent for bloods they took about 6 vials and think they tested for lots of stuff but not sure if they tested for minerals etc. I do take a strong multivitamin every day though if that makes any difference? I’ll have a look at thyroid uk though and see what they offer :)

Marz profile image
Marz in reply toCh0pp3r

Multi vitamins are not usually suggested on this forum - mostly because they do not give you enough of some things and if you increase the dose then you could overdose on something else :-) Better to have things tested and supplement individually for the best results.

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

The link above takes you to the companies doing the Home Testing Kits. Keep an eye out for special Offers - usually on a Thursday.

Ch0pp3r profile image
Ch0pp3r in reply toMarz

What one would I get? There is like 10 different tests to pick from.

Marz profile image
Marz in reply toCh0pp3r

healthunlocked.com/search/b...

Nearly 4000 posts about Private Testing in the above link - have a look and see what suits you. I live in Crete so do not use UK based companies :-)

I would suggest TSH - FT4 - FT3 - Anti-TPO and Anti-Tg. Also B12 - Folate - Ferritin - VitD .... so check out both companies ...

Ch0pp3r profile image
Ch0pp3r in reply toMarz

That’s great thank you very much for your help :)

Marz profile image
Marz in reply toCh0pp3r

You are welcome :-)

Ch0pp3r profile image
Ch0pp3r

Hello folks.

I got retested and got the results today.

TSH - 2.67

T4 - 19.7

And the nurse said that’s normal.

So question is, is it normal?

Thanks

Chris

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