Thyroid newbie

[betty2480]

Hi, I received results of a blood test which showed my TSH was 6.5, which my GP said was ‘borderline’. It’s the first time I’ve ever had such a result - she said my T4 was normal. I was asked to come back again in 3 months to retest it but I don’t want to wait that long so have ordered a full panel (incl antibodies) test via MediChecks. There are thyroid issues in my family (niece and brother) and I have experienced quite a few symptoms which could be attributed to hypo.

My GP did say sometimes viral infection/illness skews the TSH level, but my question is this, at what point to doctors diagnose hypothyroidism? After one, two or three blood test results? I can’t remember what my other levels were (will get this from my doctor) so just looking for a bit of guidance, really.

Thanks!

[greygoose]

Depends on the doctor, I think. Some like to wait until it's over ten! But, if your TSH is over-range on the next test, and she still won't diagnose, ask her what the ranges are for!

'Normal' just means 'in-range'. It doesn't actually mean that that's the level everybody has. And 'normal' is not the same as 'optimal', and can often even be 'deficient'. That's why we always say get a print-out of your results, so that you can be absolutely sure where the result is in the range.

She's right that being ill will raise (not skew) your TSH, which is why it's customary to wait three weeks and test again, to be sure it really is your thyroid which is failing. Testing again straight after the other test is not going to help. Whatever the TSH comes out as, it's doubtful any doctor will accept it without the three month wait. So you will still have to wait.

[betty2480 in reply to greygoose]

Thanks greygoose x

[greygoose in reply to betty2480]

You're welcome.

[Redditch]

Not sure if they're lazy, thick, scared, or bent, but they leave it up until there is no other option.

With your family history and symptoms it's very likely you need treatment.

TPO antibodies would have put it beyond doubt. You don't have a high antibody count if you're not a thyroid patient

You're right to order your own tests. I do it all the time and I'm diagnosed. I find it helpful to do a test when I feel great and do one when I feel terrible.

Then I know what's good for me. Don't let a doctor tell you that your ideal TSH is 4 or any other random number, find out what you feel good on.

[ShootingStars in reply to Redditch]

Or the other Hashimoto’s antibody, TGab. Both have to be tested to eliminate that this hypothyroidism with her TSH at 6.5 (the thyroid is too slow/is hypo at that number) is caused by Hashimoto’s.

[silverfox7]

I agree with GG. it's never diagnosed after one test as it can be raised through other things but good the has actually said borderline asif you get a similar result again you can asked for a trial and quote family history suggests you are starting with a thyroid problem.

[betty2480]

Thanks everyone 😊 xx

[mouldylocks]

Betty I'm not much further along than you, but I was advised on here to fast before the blood test and do as early as possible in the morning, to get the best results. Good luck

[Muffy]

Hi, can you remember what time of day that you had your blood test? Always best to have blood drawn as early as possible in the day e.g. between 8 & 9 am when TSH result will be at its highest.

[betty2480]

Hello, yes it was in the morning, about 8.30.

[betty2480]

Found out more on my blood test results from 28th Feb (waiting on thyroid ultra check with MediChecks - should have these tomorrow):

My TSH was 6.26 (range 0.027 - 4.20)

My FT4 was 15.1 (range 12.0 - 22.0)

Does this offer anymore insight? Will paste my MediChecks results tomorrow) thanks