Nhs blood test results normal...should I pay for private?

[lowekaty]

Hi all,

So my NHS blood test results came back normal. I asked for a print off as suggested by some of you on my previous post.

TSH 3.11 0.30-4.20 mu/l

I have so many symptoms of an underactive thyroid and also my mum and brother have also been diagnosed, that I really hoped this time (I’ve been tested once before 2 years ago) that I could at least get some answers.

Anyway-I have private health care through work which includes testing/screening. Do you think I should go down that route, or do I need to just put this all to bed?

I’m so confused as I don’t really know much about it all. I’ve tried reading other people’s posts but it’s just made me more confused. Any advice greatly received.

Thanks katy x

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

lowekaty

Your TSH at 3.11 shows that your thyroid is struggling. TSH alone is not the whole story, I would go for the full thyroid panel, and whilst at it get vitamins and minerals tested too.

TSH

FT4

FT3

Thyroid Peroxidase antibodies

Thyroglobulin antibodies

Vit D

B12

Folate

Ferritin

[lowekaty in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thanks for your reply! I think I will go down the private testing route and see what happens. X

[Judithdalston]

In some countries a TSH of 3.11 would trigger a hypothyroid diagnosis and prescription of levothyroxin - unfortunately not in GB where it has to be 10 plus. If you have read other posts and replies you will be familiar with notion that diagnosed hypothyroids' TSH should be 1 or under, but also how important the FT3 result is - the active hormone that actually is used in every cell. It is rare for a Gp to ask for anything other than TSH, so if you want a more complete picture of what is happening re your thyroid you will need private tests for TSH, FT4, FT3 and total thyroxin. Also worth having tests to ascertain whether you have thyroid autoimmune antibodies( TPO and TgAb), or Hashimoto's disease- even if you are most doctors ignore a positive result, but many members find a gluten free diet helps their Hashimoto's. the antibodies attach the thyroid gland mistakenly believing it is 'alien', dead cells plus thyroid hormones are dumped into the blood stream causing periodic peaks of hormones in the blood. Other times the antibodies can be relatively quiet- Hashimoto's leads to lots of confusion with doctors not understanding whether you are hyperthyroid or hypothyroid. Characteristic of Hashimoto's is also poor gut absorption, and nutrients from food/ drink and supplements are often low. So also consider if going down private test route getting your Vit D, B12, folate and ferritin levels tested for good thyroid health. The Medichecks lab has 20 % off some tests today ( you only need to order the kit, but can wait a few weeks/ months before you use it). Good luck Katy.

[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

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