What Tests should I ask for? (Low Saliva Waking Cortisol Results)

[Felixstowe]

Hi, first of all many thanks to everyone who replied to my previous posts.

I have my GP appointment on 23rd May, (over 3 week wait for appointmnet) to discuss the results of my saliva Cortisol results. I know I should ask for early am blood serum cortisol and dhea, is there anything else I should ask to be tested at the same time?

I just want to make sure i go in prepared as the wait for an appointment is getting longer and longer.

Many thanks in advance for any advice anyone can offer.

Suzanne

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Have you ever had thyroid tested properly?

I see you say you quit smoking. This can be trigger for autoimmune thyroid disease to become apparent. Risk is increased in year or so after quitting

verywellhealth.com/cigarett...

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 and FT4, plus vitamins

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, lowest FT4 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. Low vitamins are especially common with Hashimoto's. Food intolerances too, especially gluten. So it's important to get tested.

[Felixstowe in reply to SlowDragon]

Hi SlowDragon, many thanks for your reply, I have very recently had full Thyroid testing through medichecks and they say results are ok, although I’m confused that although not high I do have Thyroid Perioxidase antibodies? The results and reference range were:

TSH. 1.96. (0.27 - 4.20)

Free Thyroxine. 16.1. (12.00 - 22.00)

Total Thyroxine T4. 85.4 (59.00 - 154)

Free T3. 4.95 (3.10 -6.80)

Reverse T3. 16.00 (10.00 -24.00)

Reverse T3 Ratio. 20.14 (15.01 -75.00)

Thyroglobulin Antibody. <10 (0.00 - 115.00)

Thyroid peroxidase Antibodies. 14.5 (0.00 - 34.00)

I thought that I had ordered the vitamin tests as well but on checking I didn’t! No cognitive function at the moment. I guess I should be asking for Vit D and B12 and possibly potassium levels?

My waking Saliva Cortisol was down to 3.810. (6.00 - 21.00) .

If there is anything else I should ask I’d be very grateful for any advice.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Felixstowe]

Yes, Vitamin D, folate, B12 and ferritin need testing

Ask GP to do so.

Thyroid results do look fine. Antibodies are low. Everyone has a few. Yours are well under range.

You should be referred to endocrinologist for low adrenal levels

[Felixstowe in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you, really appreciate your time and advice.