Please give advice on blood test results

[Poethlyn008]

10 years ago, whilst pregnant with my first son, I was diagnosed as having Graves’ disease. Apparently it was was very mild and if I hadn’t been pregnant I wouldn’t have had any symptoms but was put on treatment for the duration of my pregnancy and for 6 months after. My levels went back to normal after giving birth and I was told my thyroid was perfectly healthy. 10 years later and I have lupus, Sjogren’s and lots of symptoms of an under active thyroid. However my latest blood test results are:

Tsh 1.53mu/L (0.35-3.5)

T4 12 pmol/L (8.0-21.0)

B12 309 ng/L (130.0-1100.0)

Folate 7.6ug (2.7-15.0)

My gp says my thyroid is absolutely fine and puts everything down to me having a lupus flare up. However I’m on steroids to treat my lupus flare up and am still having symptoms more akin with hypothyroidism. Does anyone have any thoughts please?

[Poethlyn008]

Thanks reallyfedup123 my sister had Graves’ disease at same time and still struggles with her levels. My mum has rheumatoid arthritis and my family seem to have lots of autoimmune illnesses

[greygoose in reply to Poethlyn008]

Then he absolutely should have tested Hashi's antibodies before making his grand pronouncement!

[SlowDragon Administrator]

As there is strong evidence of autoimmune disease GP should test both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies, p,us essential to test FT3

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

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. Low vitamins are especially common with Hashimoto's. Food intolerances are very common too, especially gluten. So it's important to get TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested at least once .

[Poethlyn008 in reply to SlowDragon]

Thanks slowdragon