Advice on grandsons tests

[Auntyp62]

My grandson was recently sent for tests by a dermatologist who was suspicious about his thyroid levels. They did usual tsh and t4 and gp says all ok......I know it is best to get t3as well but nhs won’t do it and having a problem with private test as he is only 14. Can you please give me your opinion, I know with a t4 like his I would be very poorly indeed, but his tsh to me is also low. Am I wrong.

Serum TSH 0.68 range. 0.30 to 4.80

T4. 9.2. Range 7.2 to 20.60

[greygoose]

No, you're not wrong. Both his TSH and his FT4. And if your doctor knew anything about thyroid, that would make him suspect Central Hypo, and test FT3 to confirm it. But, the NHS thinks Central Hypo is very, very rare so they don't even teach it in med school. They are wrong.

Central Hypo is when there is a problem with the pituitary (Secondary Hypo) or the hypothalamus (Tertiary Hypo) rather than the thyroid itself (Primary Hypo). Not enough TSH is secreted to stimulate the thyroid to make hormone, so levels drop. I think you should suggest this idea with however ordered the tests. But, do read up on it a bit, first, so that you sound as if you know what you're talking about.

[Auntyp62 in reply to greygoose]

Thank you that is exactly what I thought but needed someone to confirm it.

[greygoose in reply to Auntyp62]

Happy to be of service.

[Auntyp62 in reply to greygoose]

On researching I have found a link between central hypo and short arm X chromosome which he has.....think we have a long fight on our hands but knowledge is power. Thank you again

[greygoose in reply to Auntyp62]

Well, hang on to that information! Because I doubt any endo will know about it. You might even educate them! Do let us know how it goes.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

For full Thyroid evaluation he will need TSH, FT4, FT3 plus TPO and TG thyroid antibodies and also very important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12

As dermatologist raised the issue, does your grandson have vitiligo? Or hives?

Private Thyroid 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.

[Auntyp62 in reply to SlowDragon]

Grandson has hives on face with swollen lip. We have enquirer about private tests but as he is under 16 we had no luck

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Auntyp62]

Hashimoto's and hives maybe linked

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/112...

hypothyroidmom.com/chronic-...

thyroidpharmacist.com/artic...

[Kipsy in reply to Auntyp62]

Blue Horizons were very happy for my 9 and 11 year olds to have full thyroid testing done via fingerprick method. Medichecks don’t deal with children.

[Auntyp62 in reply to Kipsy]

Thank you I will contact them