Good morning, my spies tell me you are a very helpful and knowledgeable bunch so I would be interested in your comments regarding my recent blood tests. My TSH is 0.02, T3 is 5.9 and T4 normal at 20.8. My results have been similar for several years and I have never been required to take any medication. I am a 72 male and due to see a new GP in two weeks. Any advice appreciated.
Many thanks, John
lapjack
Can we please have the reference ranges for your results, they vary from lab to lab so we need your lab's ranges to interpret your results.
Do you have any symptoms?
Non that I’m aware of but I do have AF controlled at the moment by ablation.
TSH range. 0.35 to 5.0
T3 range. 9.0 to 22.0
T4 range. 2.3 to 5.1
Thanks, John
I think you might have mixed up the T3 and T4 ranges, I expect they're as I've put below.
TSH: 0.02 (0.35 to 5.0)
T4: 20.8 (9.0 to 22.0) - I assume this is Free T4
T3: 5.9 (2.3 to 5.1) - is this Total T3 or Free T3? It's Free T3 that gives us the information we need. I think Total T3 may be tested in Scotland and/or Ireland.
Is there a particular reason you think there might be a thyroid problem, or you doctor does?
Apologies, you have got them in the right order. Because the TSH and T3 returned as abnormal, I assume is why the GP has asked to see me. Sorry for the error. John
Because your TSH is below range and your FT3 over range, with FT4 near the top of the range, your GP is possibly thinking of hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid).
Please be aware that with these results some doctors jump to the conclusion that the person has overactive thyroid/Graves disease and immediately starts prescribing Carbimazole and maybe Betablockers.
If your GP wants to do this, ask for the following antibodies to be tested
For possible Hashimoto's - underactive thyroid:
Thyroid Peroxidase (TPO)
Thyroglobulin (Tg)
For Graves/overactive thyroid:
Thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI)
Thyroid stimulating hormone receptor antibody (TRAb)
The reason being that with Hashimoto's hormone levels and symptoms fluctuate, it usually starts with a "hyper" phase then goes onto a hypo phase. Some doctors mistakenly diagnose this as Graves and give the wrong medication.
If your doctor can't or wont do all those tests, before accepting medication for overactive/Graves, ask for a referral to an endocrinologist to do the proper antibody tests for confirmation of diagnosis.
Thank you for your comprehensive reply Seaside Susie. I’m due to speak to the GP on the 25th and will let you know the outcome. I am aware that it’s possible there could be link/connection with AF so it’s important to do the right thing so will seek a referral if necessary even if it costs me! Thanks again, John
My results are
TSH 0.029 -0.27-4.2
T4 24.1 - 12-22
T3 5.04 - 3.1-6.8
And I take 125 of Levo. Afib manageable!!
I tend to blame a lot of my thyroid symptoms on AF and vice versa!
More motorhoming prescribed.
Di
Sounds good to me Di..
Essential to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 levels too
Low B12 is common as we age
Low vitamin D very common thus time of year
Good vitamins help thyroid hormones work well
Add results and ranges if you have them
Getting GP to test if not
Or private testing available
Thank you for reply....
For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 plus both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested. Also extremely important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12
Recommended on here that 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)
Private tests are available. Thousands on here forced to do this as NHS often refuses to test FT3 or antibodies or all 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 special offers, Medichecks usually have offers on Thursdays, Blue Horizon its more random
Private testing for suspected Graves - TSI or TRab antibodies
Confused Newbie
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Confused Newbie
