Abnormal tsh, normal T4

[advoash]

I've just discovered that my pattern is classed as 'subclinical' in the thyroid world and don't know whether to accept that I haven't got a thyroid problem (GP said my symptoms would be much worse if i did) or push further. My results are TSH 8.35 and 13.3 T4. I don't feel that there are any lifestyle changes I need to make as I have a very healthy diet, exercise etc etc but still feel exhausted constantly, cold and very achy. Would appreciate your thoughts on this.

[greygoose]

The NHS's idea of 'subclinical' is generous, to say the least. Given that you are hypo when your TSH hits 3, 8.35 is overt, in my book. Also, in the dictionary, you will find that 'subclinical' means abnormal blood tests but absence of symptoms. Given that your doctor didn't 'do' symptoms in med school, I hardly think he's qualified to judge yours. You cannot quantify another's suffering, anyway. Also, it's impossible to comment on your FT4, because you haven't given the range, but yours being 'in-range' does not necessarily make it 'normal'. I doubt any life-style changes you could make would improve the situation.

The reason for this rediculous interpretation of 'subclinical' by the medical fraternity, is that there's nothing they hate more than having to diagnose someone with hypothyroidism. They don't even want to admit that it exists! They would far rather 'diagnose' you with fibromyalgia, ME/CFS, where there is no blood test you can use to prove them wrong. And, after which diagnosis they can consign you to the dustbin and forget you, and tell you that any further ailments you might develop, are all down to your fibro/ME/CFS, for which there is no treatment and no cure, so go away and leave me alone! Having a hypo on their books not only means they have to bestow free prescriptions for life, but also a lot of hard - expensive! - work like doing blood tests and misinterpreting them. It might also mean they actually have to see the patient once in a while, heaven forbid! And, horror of horrors, said patient might even want them to touch her, like palpate her throat, or something, and that would never do - why, they'd have to raise their eyes from their computer screen!

So, in answer to your question, no, you must not accept that you don't have a thyroid problem, because you most certainly do. Keep pushing!

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to greygoose]

Greygoose

I had a little chuckle at your reply, but my goodness - aint that the truth!

advoash

You are obviously Hypo, we here all know that, but the cruel guidelines say you can't possibly be until your TSH reaches 10. Best thing you can do is get a repeat test when you can and make sure that conditions are ideal for your TSH to be at it's highest and that is

1) Book the very first appointment of the day for the blood draw - absolutely no later than 9am. TSH is highest in the early hours of the morning - midnight to 3.30am - then falls throughout the day. See top graph in the first post of this thread healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

2) Don't eat before the test and drink only water (leave tea, coffee, etc, until after the blood draw), apparently eating lowers TSH so delay breakfast until after the test, apparently coffee can also affect TSH - see replies by member diogenes in this thread healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

So make conditions as near perfect as possible to achieve a high TSH and you just might be able to push it over the magic number 10 and get a diagnosis.

[Wildbird]

It is worth requesting a thyroid antibodies test from your GP, as if you do have a raised result, the protocol should be to start you on a trial of levothyroxine. It is terrible that your symptoms are being ignored. A TSH of 8.35 falls well outside of the normal supposedly healthy reference range. It is exhausting and you will need to be assertive. The very best of luck.

[Mino40]

I think you have the wrong GP! I was put on 25mcg Levo in January after my TSH was 4.68!

Out of interest, and I’m now on 100mcg!

I always wondered why if the limit is TSH to get Levo, I was put on it at 4.68 or whatever. I think it could be because I am a diabetic in remission.

[Angel_of_the_North]

Subclinical hypothyroid means "you are ill but we can't be bothered to treat you as it would mean free Prescriptions and cost too much, Plus, if we wait long enough, you might get better, go away, accept antidepressants (ker ching!) or die, and it won't be our problem" You are hypo and need replacement hormones but will find it very hard to get NHS to prescribe until TSH reaches 10 or free T4 goes below range.

[Essexmum]

Hi, I'm hypothyroid with the label of subclinical hyperthyroid because my TSH is suppressed below normal. T4 within range and my t3 lower end of the normal range. I dont have hyper symptoms, i have hypo ones due to the levothyroxin. Greygoose you made me smile, every word is so true!!

[advoash]

Thank you all for your comments and advice. You’ve certainly given me the confidence to keep going with this and I’ve ordered the Medichecks blood kit to see what T3 and antibodies are. Ironically I am a new(ish) GP receptionist, but certainly wouldn’t feel comfortable approaching any to ask!!