Help interpreting test results

[User987]

Hi everyone,

Backstory: I've been feeling super run down recently- exhausted, brain fog, hair loss, high blood pressure, dry skin, which I've since learnt could be a sign that my thyroid is playing up.

I went to my GP last week and had a raft of tests including TSH & free T4, vitamins, diabetes, liver, kidneys and apparently the results are 'normal'. I'm looking to get more specifics when I see my GP on Monday, especially into the vitamin ranges.

While waiting for the results I found this forum and feel so much more informed than I was before, so thanks. Once I found that my results were 'normal' I took your advice and got more a more detailed check through MediChecks (sample taken first thing in the morning, fasting), results are below. I'm looking for some help interpreting them and some talking points for the appointment with the GP to show that while my results are largely 'normal' (other than the one) I don't feel normal and I'm not just burnt out/stressed.

TSH: 3.28 (0.27-4.2)

Free thyroxine: 14.400 (12.00-22.00)

Free T3: 4.61 (3.10-6.80)

Thyroglobulin antibody: 355.000 (0.00-115.00)

Thyroid peroxidase antibodies: 13.1 (0.00-34.00)

I can see that the thyroglobulin antibody is out of range, but I'm also wondering whether the TSH/T4/T3 results are at the edge of the ranges enough to be concerned about?

Thanks!

[Nanaedake]

I don't think your GP will be concerned about your TSH as it's within range. It's higher in range but everyone's best point is slightly different when not on any thyroid medication so it might be right for you but high for someone else. Raised Thyroglobulin antibody can accompany a range of conditions so I think it's worth your GP finding out what is causing the raised antibodies.

[User987 in reply to Nanaedake]

Thanks for your help, I'll focus on that

[ShinyB]

Hi

Your GP may well say you're ok because you're TSH is in range. However, in some countries they start diagnosing hypothyroidism when the TSH reaches 3. I would be concerned at yours.

Free T3, which is the active thyroid hormone that T4 has to be converted to, should ideally be in the upper part of the range. Yours is only just over 40% of the way through the range.

But a GP may think this is all normal because they tend to stick to ranges.

However, your thyroglobulin antibody results show that you have Hashimoto's which is where antibodies attack the thyroid gland. Over time they can destroy the thyroid. Here is a link about Hashimoto's: thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

I would see what your doctor has to say but would be asking him what his treatment plan is for the Hashimoto's. If he looks blank, ask for a referral to an endocrinologist.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

[ShinyB in reply to ShinyB]

Oh, and ask at your appointment for print outs of all your results. You are legally entitled to copies of these. You may be able to access them online depending on your GP's set-up. Post your results on here for some more feedback.

[User987 in reply to ShinyB]

Thanks so much for your advice! I feel much more prepared to see my GP, fingers crossed she'll be knowledgeable/helpful

[ShinyB in reply to User987]

And if she's not, don't despair as there is lots of help available here! Good luck