Thyroid testing in the UK.

[Evenso67]

Hi, simple question, is a TSH test significant enough to rule out thyroid problem's, if symptoms are there? It seems gp's seem to rely solely on this test alone. Thanks in advance

[shaws Administrator]

A 'simple answer' is NO - the TSH doesn't always enable a diagnosis of hypothyroidism. The reason - that doctors have been told not to diagnose until the TSH is 10 (in the UK) whereas elsewhere in the world we would be diagnosed when it goes above 3+. They also are unaware that an early a.m. blood test which is not a fasting one will lower the TSH and it also lowers automatically throughout the day. So it cannot possibly be an accurate diagnose. Food or having a test later in the day also lowers the TSH. Rarely do they check a Free T4 and Free T3 and I'll give you a link:-

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

They need an overhaul of the guidelines given to Endocrinologists and GPs. If we, the amatuers know more than most of any of them, once we've been on this forum for a while. We don't need degrees and those that do have them have not been informed properly on clinical symptoms - which should take precedence over a TSH result (it is from the pituitary gland after all and may not rise sufficiently - especially to 10 which is ridiculous).

[Hidden]

Most doctor do rely on TSh but there is a raft if scietific evidence and anecdotal evidence in spade loads printed here dailythat proves that it is not a good diagnostic tool. Have you got your blood results as we may be able tohelp a bit more than your GP.Has your GPtaken your T4 , B2, vit D and folate?also post your pulse and temp.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Absolutely not

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4, TT4, FT3 plus TPO and TG thyroid antibodies and also very important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B

Private tests are available. Thousands on here forced to do this as NHS often refuses to test FT3 or antibodies or vitamins

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)

(When on Levothyroxine, don't take in the 24 hours prior to test, delay and take straight after test. If also on T3, make sure to take last dose 12 hours prior to test).

Post results and ranges once you have them and members can advise

[Angel_of_the_North]

Simple reply: No.

Although TSH is high in primary hypothyroidism (unless the person has autoimmune thyroiditis and has had a attack recently), it does not rise in central hypothyroidism.

[ceidauilyc]

My doc checked everything. I got the results from downstairs of the same hospital and while I was walking up, I saw the results, they had written on the side the normal levels too. My TSH has 12 or so and T3 and T4 were normal. Yet, T3, T4 and TSH must be checked. Cost INR 1500 (Apollo Hyderabad) or $25 only in India. I'm on 37.5 sodium thyroxine tablets.