Still frustrated

[Janek1983]

This is my latest results, again my TSH is raised. should I go back to the doc in three months to have it retested? is there a reason why this is raised? I can't get to the bottom of it as the doctors are unwilling to do anything but my symptoms are suggesting hypothyroidism. Any thoughts? Thanks

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

JaneK

Your photo showed your full name and date of birth. As identity theft is rife on the Internet, I have removed your picture to protect you. Please resubmit your photo without your personal details or, as there aren't many, type them into your post.

[Janek1983 in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thank you never even thought.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Jane

You have subclinical hypothyroidism which is where the TSH is between 4 and 10 with "normal FT4" although your FT4 is low in range.

I would do some research, you should find some respected sources by Googling. Print off the list of signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism from ThyroidUK's main website and tick any that apply:

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

Present your list, plus the research about subclinical hypothyroidism to your GP and ask for a trial of Levo. Don't accept a short trial of 25mg, it needs to be a starting dose of 50mcg (unless you are elderly or have heart disease) and it should be for a minimum of 3 months, checking levels after 6 weeks and increasing dose of Levo if necessary.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

All thyroid blood tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and fasting. This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, best not mentioned to GP or phlebotomist)

Is this how you did the test?

Your TSH is above range and your FT4 right at bottom of range

FT3 slightly low

Your Thyroid is clearly struggling.

No raised antibodies, but you can still have autoimmune thyroid disease and never have raised antibodies

Ask GP for ultrasound scan of thyroid

Have you had vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 tested?

If not, you need to arrange to test these next

Medichecks Thyroid plus ultra vitamin or Blue Horizon Thyroid plus eleven are the most popular choice as they test thyroid AND vitamins

DIY finger prick test or option to pay extra for private blood draw. Both companies often have special offers, Medichecks usually have offers on Thursdays, Blue Horizon its more random

List of hypothyroid symptoms

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

[Hidden]

I always put "Subclinical" in quotes, sometimes adding a "HA!!!!" or so.

Very obvious symptoms are CLINICAL, whatever the arbitrary reference ranges say. Clinical symptoms mean you are ill and need help. I still had symptoms when my TSH was just under 3.

[vocalEK in reply to Hidden]

Excellent point. Their main excuse is that the set of hypothyroid symptoms can also be caused by a variety of other conditions/diseases. My PCP put me through a huge battery of tests to rule out these other conditions/diseases. But nevertheless, your point stands: If you have symptoms, these are CLINICAL signs that you need help.

[Muffy]

As SlowDragon said, you need to have blood drawn as early in the day as possible, preferably by 8/8.30am as that is when TSH is highest. Can you remember what time you had your blood test?

[Janek1983 in reply to Muffy]

It was 8am efore food and drink

[Brad07]

It's worth asking your doctor for a trial of Levo but from my experience even if you have symptoms, antibodies, an ultrasound showing damage to the thyroid, TSH is raised "subclinical hypothyroidism" the doctor/endocrinologist won't do anything until your TSH is above 10. You may have a good/sympathetic doctor but I think they are a rarity.

[Janek1983]

Are my antibodies not really low?

[Janek1983]

Is 10.7 sky high? I thought that was normal? I'm confused, sorry

[Hidden in reply to Janek1983]

It's rather hard to read the photograph - maybe Hidden thought it said 10 thousand, seven hundred, rather than 10.7?

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Apparently you can have an autoimmune condition even if your antibodies aren't detected. They fluctuate anyway. Your high TSH and low/lowish T4 and T3 shows you are hypothyroid. It's just the reference ranges are wrong.

[Hidden]

I eventually got a clinical trial after I tried to explain my symptoms on the phone to the doctor and could hardly string a sentence together. My highest recorded TSH was just under 6 even then. The doctor was rude and abrupt and told me I was confused", but it did get results.

As a last resort you could write to the practice manager and threaten to sue them for neglect if they don't even attempt to treat you!