Thyroid blood test results

[HelenOliver]

Hi I am Helen and I have free thyroid test results of 23 and TSH levels of 0.6. I reduced my thyroxin medication 4 months ago but this has not raised my TSH levels

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

HelenOliver

What are the reference ranges for your results? Is your FT4 in range or over range? Was FT3 tested as well?

What thyroid meds are you taking?

I can't raise my TSH either but my FT4 and FT3 are in range.

Has your FT4 lowered, and what about FT3?

Who is worried - you or your doctor?

As long as FT3 is within range then you aren't overmedicated.

[Angel_of_the_North]

TSH levels don't really matter when on meds. It's your free T4 and free T3 that are important. Some people's TSH never falls really low others have suppressed TSH even if they stop levo. TSH of 0.6 is not low in most ranges. The Dr Toft article says that most people need TSH between 0.2 and 1, so yours is fine and could go lower. How do you feel?

[SlowDragon Administrator]

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4, TT4, FT3 plus TPO and TG thyroid antibodies.

Plus very important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12

Just testing TSH and FT4 is inadequate

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.

If on Levothyroxine, don't take in the 24 hours prior to test, delay and take straight after. 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 common too, especially gluten. So it's important to get antibodies tested.