TSH test

[Depz]

I'm a male 44 years old my thyroid TSH test show a reading of 6.74 do I need medication

[Clutter]

Welcome to the forum, Depz.

If that is your first abnormal TSH your GP may want to repeat the test in 2-3 months before making a diagnosis of hypothyroidism as a virus or non-thyroidal illness can elevate TSH. Any such illness would be expected to clear in 2-3 months.

However, if you are very symptomatic TSH 6.74 is over range so you should certainly ask your GP to prescribe Levothyoxine.

Typical symptoms are listed in thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

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

[SlowDragon Administrator]

For full evaluation you ideally need TSH, FT4, FT3, TT4, TPO and TG antibodies, plus vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 tested

Very important to know if you have high thyroid antibodies, this is autoimmune thyroid disease also called Hashimoto's

See if you can get full thyroid and vitamin testing from GP. Unlikely to get FT3

Private tests are available

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 ideally be done as early as possible in morning and fasting. This gives highest TSH and most consistent results

If you are very symptomatic this can help persuade GP to start treatment if TSH is borderline

Link about antibodies

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

Link about thyroid blood tests

thyroiduk.org/tuk/testing/t...

List of hypothyroid symptoms

thyroiduk.org/tuk/about_the...