Thyroid test results

[czarna91]

Hello,

I have been experiencing a lot of symptoms of uneractive thyroid for a while now. My mum was diagnosed with Hashimoto's some time ago, so I decided to get some tests done.

In September my GP tested TSH and fT4 levels, which were 3.1 mu/L and 10.9 pmol/L respectively.

Unfortunately, due to work at the time I didn'r manage to see my doctor after getting the results.

At the end of February I asked to repeat these, however it turned out my GP only repeated TSH, which was 2.6mu/L.

I was very upset about the doctor omitting the T4, as that is what was showing out of range.

I had thyroid function tested through Medichecks and received my results today. I attached the results as a picture.

Can you guys please help me with how to convince my GP to start medicating me based on these results, my symptoms and famiy history?

[SlowDragon Administrator]

You do not appear to have Hashimoto's, as antibodies are low. However antibodies can fluctuate and apparently about 20% with Hashimoto's never have raised antibodies.

Your TSH is above range, and FT4 below range

Ask that they test vitamin D, folate. Ferritin and B12. Very common to be too low and if so can mask the extent that you are hypo

List of hypothyroid symptoms

thyroiduk.org/tuk/about_the...

Perhaps take these test results in along with the list of hypothyroid symptoms- tick off the ones you have

You could ask for trial of Levothyroxine, if they are reluctant to start prescribing

[czarna91 in reply to SlowDragon]

Thanks SlowDragon . I know I don't have Hashimoto's - what I meant by "family history" is that my mum has a thyroid disorder, which means I am genetically predisposed to also have a thyroid disorder.

I will definitely ask for these tests next. That's interesting, I didn't know that these can mask hypo.

Yes, I thought that too, seeing as the GP seems to think I am just a hypochondriac...

With regards to trial of Levothyroxine - how does that work and how does it differ from being prescribed it? How long does the trial last and why would a GP be more likely to give me the trial, but not prescribe?

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to czarna91]

Well it's the same really. But it often does the trick to get started if results are borderline and if suffering symptoms. Usually 3 month trial.

Because Levothyroxine is almost always prescribed for life, it's a bigger decision for GP, than say just prescribing a course of antibiotics

[czarna91 in reply to SlowDragon]

Oh ok. That sounds like a good idea then - hopefully she will be willing to do this.

Is it true that if Levothyroxine is prescribed, you can fill in a form, which will provide you with a card to get it free of charge?

Would you say I should also ask for a cortisol test?

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to czarna91]

Yes, if deemed to definitely be hypothyroid, we get free prescriptions for life.

Doubt you'll get anywhere with cortisol testing with a GP.

Possibly an endo.

Other option is private saliva cortisol tests

[czarna91]

Meaning the GP won't give it me, or it will not show anything useful? What about cholesterol?

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to czarna91]

A GP will probably be reluctant to offer a cortisol test, NHS only offer blood cortisol test.

Cholesterol often high when hypothyroid and should drop with treatment

nhs.uk/conditions/statins/c...