My daughters tests

[Elh1965]

Good morning all.

I have graves and I’ve noticed a few symptoms in my 18 year old daughter so have been checking on her levels.

She has put on a lot of weight, her hair is falling out loads in the shower, thinnning eyebrows, very tired and recently said she’s feeling anxious.

GP said her latest results are normal, yes they are within the range but just wanted your opinions please.

FEB 17 TSH 1.73 (0.27-4.20)

T4 17 (11.0-22.0)

NOV 18. TSH 3.01

T4 15.4

Thank you

Emma

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Just TSH and FT4 is not detailed enough testing

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

Go back to GP and ask for thyroid antibodies and vitamin testing

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 or Graves .

Food intolerances are very common too with both, 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_...

Private testing for suspected Graves - TSI or TRab antibodies

medichecks.com/thyroid-func...

[Elh1965]

Thanks for your reply. I did tell the GP I wasn’t convinced this is normal, due to her symptoms and he has agreed to re test her in a month and include antibodies, folate and B12, plus diabetes check. So will see what comes back.

I just think TSH of 3 is pretty low

[anonymous45 in reply to Elh1965]

SlowDragon covered everything important.

In hypothyroidism (low thyroid function - which causes weight gain, hair loss, fatigue etc.) the TSH tends to become elevated (if the thyroid gland isn't working as well) whilst T4 and T3 levels drop. While the 2 blood tests could just be fluctuations (time of day, different stressors nearly 2 years apart), a small drop in a patient with family history of thyroid disorders should be monitored.

Hopefully the further testing by your GP or privately through e.g. Medichecks, will shed some light.

There is some evidence that, where someone is preclinically hypothyroid (slowly declining gland function, with hormones still in range), starting with low dose (25-50mcg) thyroxine can be helpful in abating initial symptoms. This should be discussed with your GP or another medical professional.