Thyroid results - need help in understanding wh... - Thyroid UK

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Thyroid results - need help in understanding what the results mean.

Blunderbear profile image
14 Replies

Hi, I am back again finally with my results. I am a bit confused by them and need to wait till 10th August to see the doctor.

TSH 0.31 (0.55-4.78)

FT3 4.2 (3.5 - 6.5)

FT4 11.7 (10 -18.7)

Antithyroid Peroxidas Antibodies 28 (0-28)

As you can see my TSH is the only one that is not within range. Also thought it was unusal that both T3 and T4 are on the low end of normal.

Any guidance is much appreciated.

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Blunderbear profile image
Blunderbear
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14 Replies
shaws profile image
shawsAdministrator

You are on too low a dose according to the Frees. i.e. FT3 4.2. should be nearer 6 and FT4 should be nearer the upper part of the range. You need an increase in dose.

Blunderbear profile image
Blunderbear in reply to shaws

Haven't even been diagnose or provided any treatment as yet.

greygoose profile image
greygoose

So, I take it these are you second test results, and that you still haven't been diagnosed or treated?

If that is the case, I think you are looking at Central hypo here. Central hypo is when the problem lies with the pituitary (Secondary hypo) or the hypothalamus (Tertiary hypo) rather than the thyroid itself (Primary hypo). With Central hypo one has low TSH but also low Frees - which I think I mentioned to you in your last thread. In your last thread, they hadn't tested the FT4, so it wasn't conclusive. But here we have a low FT4 as well as a low FT3 and TSH. So, I'm pretty sure it's Central hypo. Which needs investigation by an endo.

From what you said in your last post, your doctor said your TSH was 'borderline'. I think she meant borderline hyper, but that is not at all the case, because your Frees are low - they would be over-range if you were hyper. Here you're definitely hypo, but your TSH is low. So, I'm not sure how much help your doctor is going to be. Is it possible to see another doctor in the practice before 10th August? Because, as you're pregnant, this does need a referral to an endo quickly, to see what s/he thinks.

Blunderbear profile image
Blunderbear in reply to greygoose

Fortunately I am seeing my Hematologist in 2 weeks before the doctor. His team was interested in my last result, which mean due to the answers above and what you have said suggest my blood results I have been receiving over the years have been caused by this. I am hoping he will then refer or ask my Doctor to refer. Unfortunately this is the earliest appointment I can get as the doctor requested it was not urgent and just a routine appointment is required. In the meantime I will also be seeing my midwife, so maybe she could help in pushing a more urgent doctors appointment.

My main concern here is the baby, not sure what effect this could be having on the baby, I have booked a private scan for Sunday to just check all is ok and growth is on track.

Thanks for your advice.

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply to Blunderbear

I don't know a lot about thyroid and pregnancy, but I believe the most important number is the FT4 because the baby needs T4 until it develops its own thyroid. But, I can't remember at what stage that happens. You can try asking the midwife, I don't know how much they know about thyroid.

But, the baby does need a healthy mum. And the thing with Central hypo is that the pituitary doesn't just make TSH, it also makes a lot of other hormones, which could also be low, and causing problems. Only an endo can test them, but they do need testing.

Blunderbear profile image
Blunderbear in reply to greygoose

I will try and book an urgent doctor appointment on Monday to see if they have any insight or at least get a telephone consultation. May be a different doctor maybe less laid back or have a better understanding of what the results mean.

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply to Blunderbear

Yes, maybe. But for the most part, GPs have never even heard of Central hypo, so a bit of explaining might be necessary. :)

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator

As you are coeliac you are very likely to have low vitamin levels

Have you got results and ranges on B12 and folate. Obviously both these are extremely important for baby's neurological development

How low is your vitamin D and what dose vitamin D supplements do you take? Have you tried Better You Vitamin d mouth spray, good as avoids poor gut function of being coeliac

Coeliac patients are often low in magnesium too which impacts vitamin D

theceliacmd.com/2013/05/mag...

glutenfreeworks.com/blog/20...

Also read up on importance of magnesium and vitamin K2 Mk7 supplements when taking vitamin D

betterbones.com/bone-nutrit...

articles.mercola.com/sites/...

healthy-holistic-living.com...

articles.mercola.com/sites/...

betterbones.com/bone-nutrit...

easy-immune-health.com/magn...

Ferritin and iron need testing too

Blunderbear profile image
Blunderbear

My vitamins D is low, iron is low so using the better you, iron, B12, vitamin D, maternity and magnesium spray. Since taking the iron and B12 I have felt a bit better. The doctors seem so laid back about it all, I seriously think they forget I am pregnant and the effects on the baby. I am under an obstetrician and haematologist so hopefully they will help with this.

I have booked myself in for a private growth scan on Sunday to see how she is doing as she is now nearly 28 weeks so I am concerned the delays and timing she will be here before I see anyone who knows what’s going on and what I need to get my body back in check.

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply to Blunderbear

Very glad to hear you are definitely on the case

Medics are often completely disinterested in vitamins. They learn virtually nothing about importance of nutrition or vitamins

Blunderbear profile image
Blunderbear in reply to SlowDragon

Very true it’s easier for them to prescribe for the symptoms but not look at the actual cause.

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply to Blunderbear

More money in prescribing medication than looking for cause too

If not on levo and have hypo symptoms, suspect central hypothyroidism where TSH cannot rise, so free t4 and free T3 stay low. GPs don't understand it - needs an endo referral.

Blunderbear profile image
Blunderbear in reply to Angel_of_the_North

Well told my midwife.... she informed the hospital, GP requested my appointment brought forward to Monday. I will explain it to them and asked them to look it up if they say otherwise!

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