thyroid test on the nhs

[Hev548]

could someone tell me if the test they do at the doctors is a full indepth test for my daughter . she had a rest and has downsindrome. they put her on 25mg of levothyroxine but still has thin hair . mood swings . cold etc . but has had her bloods done again and doc said everythings fine.???do i need to ask for anything else to see why she is not herself

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Hev548

Can you post the results of the tests done, with reference ranges?

GPs rarely do the full thyroid panel, some only do TSH, some do TSH and FT4 as standard. The lab may add in FT3 if TSH is suppressed (mine does).

For the full picture you need

TSH

FT4

FT3

Thyroid antibodies

and it's worth testing

Vit D

B12

Folate

Ferritin

as all these need to be optimal for thyroid hormone to work, deficiencies in any of them brings their own symptoms, some of which overlap with hypothyroidism.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Standard starter dose is 50mcg, not 25mcg unless over 50 years old or been very hypothyroid a long time

NHS guidelines saying standard starter dose is 50mcgs

beta.nhs.uk/medicines/levot...

What were her blood test results and ranges before starting on Levothyroxine

As well as recent retest

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

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

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. When on Levothyroxine, take last dose 24 hours prior to test, and take next dose straight after test. This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, GP will be unaware)

If also on T3, make sure to take last dose 12 hours prior to test

If antibodies are high this is Hashimoto's, (also known by medics here in UK more commonly as autoimmune thyroid disease).

About 90% of all hypothyroidism in Uk is due to Hashimoto's. Low vitamins are especially common with Hashimoto's. Food intolerances are very common too, especially gluten. So it's important to get TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested at least once .

Link about thyroid blood tests

thyroiduk.org/tuk/testing/t...

Link about antibodies and Hashimoto's

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

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

List of hypothyroid symptoms

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

Your daughter is legally entitled to printed copies of blood test results and ranges.

UK GP practices are supposed to offer online access for blood test results. Ring and ask if this is available and apply to do so if possible, if it is she may need enhanced access to see blood results.

In reality many GP surgeries do not have blood test results online yet

Alternatively ring receptionist and request printed copies of results. Allow couple of days and then go and pick up. They can no longer charge for printing out, rules changed after May 25th 2018