Thyroid blood test figures.

[rustydog]

I had kind of convinced myself I had some kind of thyroid issue as I can tick off so many symptoms. However, I had blood taken last week, rang the surgery on Friday for the results. All ok according to the gp. I asked for the numbers, FSH 2.11 and Free T4 is 13.8. I’m not up on all things thyroid and have got confused looking online so just thought I’d ask if these figures seem ok to you all? Looks like I’m back to the drawing board though?!

[SlowDragon Administrator]

I think you mean TSH is 2.11 and FT4 13.8

Can you add the ranges for these. Figures in brackets after each result. Each lab is different

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4, TT4, FT3 plus TPO and TG thyroid antibodies. Plus vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12.

Essential to test thyroid antibodies, FT3 at same time as FT4 plus vitamins

Your GP will probably be unwilling to investigate further

It's possible to have high thyroid antibodies and in range TSH and FT4. This can cause lots of symptoms

Private tests are available. Thousands on here forced to do this as NHS often refuses to test FT3 or antibodies.

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. (Patient to patient tip, GP will be unaware)

If antibodies are high this is Hashimoto's, (also known by medics here in UK more commonly as autoimmune thyroid disease).

About 90% of all hypothyroidism in Uk is due to Hashimoto's

[rustydog in reply to SlowDragon]

Thanks slowdragon, I’ll look at that website, if I get no further with my gp.

[RedApple Administrator]

TSH 2.11 and FT4 13.8 are more than likely within the lab ranges, which means you're unlikely to get any doctor to offer replacement thyroid hormone, at least at this stage. However, it is common for onset of symptoms to occur a very long time before anything obvious shows up in blood tests. So you could ask for a repeat test in 3 months, to see how that compares to this one.

In the meantime, consider other possible causes such as vitamin B12 deficiency.

[rustydog in reply to RedApple]

Thanks RedApple. The figures were given to me over the phone by the receptionist, she didn’t offer any range so I’ll pop in and get a print out. I know that I’ve had low iron for some time (which is slowly creeping back up). I’m always cold, always tired/exhausted and have ibs type symptoms, I feel that no tests are ever offered so it’s always down to me to ask. So far I’ve had bone, liver and kidney profile = all ok, vitamin d = slightly low at 46 and these thyroid tests. I’ll now ask for vitamin b12, folate and check my iron and ferritin again. Thanks for your help 😊

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to rustydog]

Raised antibodies is Hashimoto's and Hashimoto's often causes/starts with gluten intolerance or dairy intolerance, both often mistaken for IBS

Suggest you get thyroid antibodies tested. If high look at gluten free diet

Gluten intolerance, low stomach acid and low vitamins are all very common with Hashimoto's

About 90% of all primary hypothyroidism in Uk is due to Hashimoto's

Essential to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12. Always get actual results and ranges. Post results when you have them, members can advise

Hashimoto's affects the gut and often leads to low stomach acid and then low vitamin levels

Low vitamin levels affect Thyroid hormone working

Poor gut function can lead leaky gut (literally holes in gut wall) this can cause food intolerances. Most common by far is gluten

According to Izabella Wentz the Thyroid Pharmacist approx 5% with Hashimoto's are coeliac, but over 80% find gluten free diet helps significantly. Either due to direct gluten intolerance (no test available) or due to leaky gut and gluten causing molecular mimicry (see Amy Myers link)

But don't be surprised that GP or endo never mention gut, gluten or low vitamins. Hashimoto's is very poorly understood

Changing to a strictly gluten free diet may help reduce symptoms, help gut heal and slowly lower TPO antibodies

Ideally ask GP for coeliac blood test first

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