TSH results

[Gibby69]

Is a TSH of 4.6 likely to indicate a problem? Tested 4 months before and was 2.2 then. Lab range is up to 5 so doctor says it's normal-but I have read above 4 indicates hypothyroid.

[Marz]

Yes it is thought that a TSH over 2.5 can point to a Hypo situation. However you need more thorough testing - FT4 - FT3 and Anti-bodies TPO & Tg. Also normal is not a result and just means your TSH is in range

thyroiduk.org

The above link takes you to lots of information about Thyroid - Understanding Results being one link on the website - and also how to order Private Tests - under the heading About Testing.

Do you always have your Test done early in the morning and fasting ?

[Gibby69 in reply to Marz]

Thanks will ask about those. Yes test done fasting and early morning.

[Aurealis]

The decision about hypo needs to be taken in the context of how you feel. How are you feeling?

[Gibby69 in reply to Aurealis]

Lots of symptoms but have pernicious anaemia so hard to tell if from that or thyroid also an issue.

[Marz in reply to Gibby69]

As PA is auto-immune it is possible you have Auto-immune Thyroiditis - aka as Hashimotos. The tests I suggested above are rarely done in the NHS - as you have already found - hence I gave you the link to research Private Testing which thousands here on the Forum have to do.

[Angel_of_the_North]

Very, very few healthy people have a TSH over 2 and almost none over 2.5. Most people fall at the bottom end of the range. However, for some reason (perhaps cost) the NHS has decided not to treat people unless they have a TSH of 10.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Just testing TSH is completely inadequate

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

as you have PA, then having another autoimmune disease is more likely

Ask GP to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and thyroid antibodies plus TSH, FT4 and FT3

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

All thyroid blood tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and fasting. This gives highest TSH and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, not to be mentioned to GP or phlebotomist)

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_...