Hi all im concerned my tsh levels are slightly high but my gp is unwilling to help as they are in normal ranges
They are currently 3.4 and i also have a lot of symptoms
I've read mixed things online saying this may or may not hinder pregnancy and trying to get pregnant
Can anyone please offer me some advice
Really appreciated thank you
Welcome to our forum Kiwiq2019 and the problem is - in the UK - doctors have been told not to diagnose us until the TSH reaches 10 !!!!!
That can take sometime especially as other countries diagnose us when it goes above 3.
If you wish you can get a home postal blood test and quite a number of our members have done so. If someone was taking thyroid hormones, they'd also allow a gap of 24 hours between last dose and the early a.m. blood draw.
Once upon a time, we would be diagnosed upon our clinical symptoms alone and given a trial of NDT (natural dessicated thyroid hormones) this was before the introduction of blood tests along with levothyroxine (T4).
Some people who are hypo can have difficulty in conceiving or could miscarry.
You are right to be researching as most doctors don't have the right attitude I believe.
thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...
A 'Full Thyroid Function Test' is TSH, T4, T3, Free T4, Free T3 and thyriod antibodies.
Blood tests have always to be at the very earliest, fasting (you can drink water). This is because the TSH is highest early a.m. and drops throughout the day and also if we've eaten.
thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...
When you post results you must also put the ranges. The reason being that labs differ in their ranges and it enables members to comment upon your results.
GP should also test B12, Vit D, iron, ferritin and folate. Deficiences can also cause symptoms.
Ahh ok thank you. So will all the other bloods show a clearer picture and will gp then be more willing to act?
I might be able to book in with a doctor whos more willing than the one i seen and get some more bloods tests but if not ill look at the private testing.
When i got them done i had already eaten so next time ill be sure not to.
The ranges with my bloods was 0.3 - 6.0 mu/l if this helps.
They were done as part of a preconception work up as been a few months without siccess but no ones mentioned they could be high or cause any issues so its quite annoying.
I think it is due to the medical profession only taking notice of a TSH result. I doubt they are even aware of FT4 and FT3 and what it actually means to the patient if either are low in the blood.
Levothyroxine (T4) is an inactive hormone. It's purpose is to convert to T3. Liothyronine (T3) is the Active Thyroid Hormone and is needed in the millions of T3 receptor cells in our body. Heart and brain contain the most. Therefore that's why the Frees (T4 and T3) are more informative if we're not feeling well.
its super important to get your thyroid under control before trying to conceive. look into izabella Wentz work and the hypothyroid mom website. Educate yourself as much as possible on the issue and don't expect doctors to know what they are talking about. Good luck
How can i get it under control if gps wont prescribe anything to help? Will i have to go privately or something?
I would get private testing then post your results on here for interpretation. there are so many things that you can try without medication, like look into the aip diet, it has been a massive help for me. With this you definitely need to be your own advocate.
Ive now had a telephone call with my gp who said he will retest thyroid function tests however the lab wont test free t3? Unless the tsh is high but he will ask for the antibodies to be tested and pth?
Will this be enough?
its a start but won't giv a full picture. I would look into getting a medichecks or bluehorizon private test where you can also test your vitamins, as these have a massive impact on thyroid function
In the UK, it is recommended that you have TSH less than 2.5 (might be 2) before trying to conceive. Having a higher TSH makes you more likely to miscarry and can cause other problems. If you are in the UK, your GP should know this and so should any gynae
One gp said if its the reference range it is fine and other has said he will repeat the test and put on that im trying to conceive to see if theyll test Free t3? As well? But doesnt really give me any indication as to what happens if they come back highrr than 2 .5 again.
If its still high then ask if you could be seen by a gynaecologist as you understand your level is higher than suggested for a successful pregnancy.
I dont think they will refer on until been trying for a year or had at least 3 miscarriages 😶😶
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