WHAT DO TWO DIFFERENT BLOOD RESULTS REALLY MEAN? - Thyroid UK

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WHAT DO TWO DIFFERENT BLOOD RESULTS REALLY MEAN?

victoria99 profile image
17 Replies

I had a consultation today with the senior partner in my GP practice who told me that on 5th June 2018 my blood results were normal -

Free T4 was 14.8 pmol/L (12.00 - 22.0) while TSH was 2.91 mU/L (0.27 - 4.20)

while on 21/11/2018 my blood results were not -

Free T4 was 28.3 pmol/L (same range) and TSH was now 0.06 mu/L (same range)

so it seems that now I am over the range for Free T4 and under the range for TSH

He has now changed my Levothyroxine from 100 to 75 and is willing to re-consider this in three months' time.

Symptoms are more troublesome so this seems a strangely doom-loaded consultation. Any input to cast some light on this advice will be much appreciated.

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victoria99
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17 Replies
SeasideSusie profile image
SeasideSusieRemembering

Victoria99

This is typical of Hashimoto's. Test results and symptoms fluctuate as a result of antibody activity.

I put lots of information about Hashi's in reply to one of your previous posts here

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

victoria99 profile image
victoria99 in reply to SeasideSusie

Thank you for all your help dear lady now and in former times which is much appreciated by me. Take care

rjb112 profile image
rjb112

"when correctly treated TSH should be 1.0 or below ...freeT4 should be around 19 (10-22) and free T3 5 or 5.5 (3.2 -6.8)"

reallyfedup123, very much appreciate if you have any articles or references or posts to back up the idea that when correctly treated, TSH should be 1.0 or below......and also the levels of free T4 and free T3 that you suggest.

I was under the impression that a TSH of 2.0 or below was fine, simply because those with normal thyroids tend to have a TSH of 2.0 or below

And you suggest free T4 "should be around 19 (10-22)", but I thought I've read on this board that as long as it is in the upper half of the range that might be fine.....and in this case, I believe that the upper half of the range would be 16 or above.....

I'm not challenging you, just trying to learn as much as I can. Thanks

humanbean profile image
humanbean in reply to rjb112

If you want to know what "normal" TSH is in apparently healthy people you might want to read this post :

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

rjb112 profile image
rjb112 in reply to humanbean

Thanks humanbean. That was good. I believe the study was limited to one town in Norway, so it would be nice to see some broader results but that was an excellent start. Thanks.

Oh dear, that GP "normal" range thing again !!

Actually, you should have had an increase in dose after June results and been retested 8 weeks later.

The target therapeutic level of TSH in Hypothyroid patients is much less than the 'normal' range of "normal"/Euthyroid people.

Mine is maximum 2 but I've learned on this forum that maximum of 1 is ideal. So either way yours was high. Your T4, low in range.

Did you omit your Levothyroxine in June but take it for the recent test?

If you are unwell. List your symptoms , see a different GP and politely insist on an Urgent referal to an Endocrinologist.

Have you ever had an Ultrasound scan of your Thyroid? Ask GP to order one?

Ever had any tests to check Adrenals?

Whatever happens make sure to ask for retests in 8 weeks. Not 3 months.

victoria99 profile image
victoria99 in reply to Mary-intussuception

This is all very impressive but rather bewildering Mary. Take care

Hi again.

I have sent you a private message.

To open, click on 3rd symbol across top - (the 2 balloons).

rjb112 profile image
rjb112

"You have not answered my ? .....did you take your levo in the 24 hours before latest blood draw because if not there has to be some other reason"

I'm not the person who posted this....so your question should be directed to victoria 99. I posted the question to you about desired levels of TSH, free T4 and free T3, and was hoping for either a linked/referenced article, or a linked post on this board that suggest those levels.

victoria99 profile image
victoria99 in reply to rjb112

Sorry for missing your question rjg112 - sincere apologies for not providing the information you wanted from me. Take care and many thanks. Victoria 99

victoria99 profile image
victoria99

Thanks for your response to my post which is much appreciated and for your kindness in this. Take care

victoria99 profile image
victoria99

Thank you for your reply to my post which I appreciate. Take care.

victoria99 profile image
victoria99

Thank you for your help. Take care.

victoria99 profile image
victoria99

Thanks for all of your help. Take care.

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator

Have you had referral yet to haematology for extremely high ferritin results?

Hemochromatosis issue must be addressed

victoria99 profile image
victoria99

Dear "reallyfedup" - I am not all sure about this so MEA MAXIMA CULPA! Thanks for all your help which means a lot. Take care - Victoria100!

victoria99 profile image
victoria99

Dear "reallyfedup123" - thanks for your post which is appreciated as ever. Your view of myself as a "spammer" is one that I totally understand and accept. Please accept my apologies for this. I have had eons of help in this forum. Enough said. I have just managed to withdraw from Sertraline several days ago so my rather clouded understanding may well present as "a spammer". Thanks again - Victoria99.

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