They say my results are normal, but...

I got my bloods tested because I have been experiencing symptoms of hypothyroidism. I have been told that they are normal... But, I don’t think that they are. I am only 19, so surely my free T3 and free T4 shouldn’t be bottom of the range. Plus, one of my thyroid antibodies is almost at max!

Please help. I feel awful. I barely eat anything and am active but put on so much weight despite this. I’m tired and anxious and depressed. Should I get a second opinion?

My results:

Total T4: 75 (normal: 59-154)

TSH: 2.47 (normal: 0.27-4.2)

Free T4: 13.3 (normal 12 - 22)

Free T3: 4.1 (normal 3.5 - 7.7)

Thyroglobulin antibody: 105 (normal: 0-115)

Thyroid peroxidase antibodies: 14.3 (normal: 0-34)

[Greybeard]

I don't think many will disagree with your thoughts. Unfortunately you will have a lot of trouble getting the medics to do anthing about it because all your readings are "within range" you could try focusing on what you eat, if you aren't eating enough it can impact on your levels, if you are over exerting that can also have a negative effect. Levels and symptoms are often worse over the winter months. Did your doctor test for vit d, vit b12, fotate and ferratin? If these are poor they can cause your symptoms and blood results.

[Hidden in reply to Greybeard]

Thank you. I have had these tested and although I don’t remember figures they were good and I do supplement them.

Considering going to a private clinic in London called Harpal, since I have heard they are good.

[shaws in reply to Hidden]

Before you choose a clinic research the doctor(s) who are dealing with hypothyroid patients to make sure they can prescribe other than levothyroxine - just so that you don't waster your money. If Levo is prescribed and you don't improve that they can prescribe either T3 added to T4 or NDT. In the UK doctors are directed not to prescribe until the TSH is 10. Some will do so if TSH is over the top of the range (which in your case is 4.2).

The following is clinical symptoms but you have an Autoimmune Thyroid Disease, commonly called Hashimoto's due to having Thyroid Antibodies. These antibodies wax and wane whilst attacking your thyroid gland until you become hypothyroid.

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

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

email Dionne at Thyroiduk.org.uk (email below) and request a copy of Dr Toft's Pulse Online article, in which he states if antibodies are present we should be prescribed:-

[e-mail]

[SlowDragon Administrator]

These results are within range, though TSH is slightly high and FT4 a bit low

Your antibodies are within range, but creeping upward

You should get vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 tested. Ask GP to do these

Low vitamins can cause similar symptoms in their own right and can also upset Thyroid function

Perhaps consider gluten free diet too see if that improves symptoms

See if you can get vitamin testing from GP.

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

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...

[Hidden in reply to SlowDragon]

Hi, don’t recall off the top of my head what my levels were for the vitamins and minerals that you mention but they are good and I also supplement these.

My blood test took place at 11:45, so not early I am afraid.

[Greybeard in reply to Hidden]

As you probably know tsh is highest early on and drops as the day goes on. Eating and drinking anything other than water before the test will also lower tsh. It's a good plan to try to get things like time and food and drink the same every time so that you are comparing real changes in your levels.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Hidden]

Vitamin D should be around 100nmol

Ferritin half way in range

B12 at least above 500, higher is better

Folate above halfway

Gluten, low stomach acid and leaky gut are all very common and may lower vitamins and or upset Thyroid

Recommend reading Dr Chatergee new book The four pillar plan

Or Dr Michael Moseley Clever Guts Diet.

Both look at the importance of varied, plant and good protein diets. How over processed foods etc are disrupting gut function