Is it called Serum TSH level ?

Hello hope all is as well as can be just looking at my test result from bloods it shows as serum tsh level is now 1.38mu/L is this normal or low ? Shows up as normal range on gp file but I'm told to ask on here for advice as apparently the gps says these levels are normal either way so I'm just wondering. Many thanks

[waveylines]

Its a normal level for someone not on treatment for hypothyroidiem. Though if you are wanting to check your actual thyroid hormone level (ft4 & ft3) you would need to purchase private blood tests. Blue Horizon do a thyroid panel.

[Marz]

The TSH is Thyroid Stimulating Hormone and comes from the Pituitary Gland. It tells the Thyroid to produce T4 which is a storage hormone doing very little in the body. It needs to convert into the ACTIVE hormone T3 - needed in every cell of your body. The TSH is a very poor indicator of thyroid health.

So to learn how the thyroid is functioning you need the correct tests - TSH - FT4 - FT3 & Thyroid Anti-bodies - TPO & Tg. The NHS rarely does all the tests and so people remain undiagnosed and under-treated - SIGH 😊

Private Testing is available through Thyroid UK - click onto About Testing in the link below ... hundreds are forced to test privately.

thyroiduk.org

Docs like to say normal/fine/ok when they mean in range. It is where you are in the range that is key. Your TSH is fine but it is NOT the full story ...

[shaws Administrator]

Unfortunately, in the UK, we will not be diagnosed as being hypothyroid until the TSH reaches 10.

In other countries people are diagnosed if TSH is above 3+ with symptoms.

To keep the TSH at its highest, we have to have blood drawn at the very earliest possible, fasting (you can drink water) and allow a gap of 24 hours between last dose of levothyroxine (if you were taking any) and the test and take afterwards.

Ideally a Full Thyroid Function Test should be taken which is TSH, T4, T3, Free T4, Free T3 and thyroid antibodies. Many members get a private test from one of the recommended labs:-

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

If thyroid antibodies are present (which would mean you have an Autoimmune Thyroid Disease), you should be prescribed levothyroxine despite normal TSH.

Doctors seem to be unaware of the following:

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

[44Maxine in reply to shaws]

Hi I have antibodies last checked at 1300 I am very symptomatic can barely get out of bed since July last year, I’m told my TSH is within normal range and refused any treatment... is there any supplements I can take which will make me feel better? X

[shaws Administrator in reply to 44Maxine]

If thyroid antibodies are high you should be prescribed levothyroxine. The additional problem is that doctors (in UK) are told not to diagnose as hypo if TSH hasn't reached 10, whilst in other countries if it goes above 3+ with clinical symptoms we will be diagnosed.

email Dionne - [e-mail]

and ask for a copy of Dr Toft's Online article. In this he states that if antibodies are present we should be prescribed - 'to nip things in the bud'. Dr T was was also physician to the Queen when she was in Scotland.

[44Maxine in reply to shaws]

Thank you so much for this info, do you know of a private Dr who may prescribe as I know 100% I’m fighting a losing battle with NHS GP xx

[Heloise in reply to 44Maxine]

Hi Maxine, The bottom line is that Hashimoto's is an autoimmune condition. Functional doctors feel you can overcome it if you treat it that way. Those antibodies are coming from something which often is the diet. Unless you've had Epstein Barre or other infection, gluten, dairy are high on the list. Also heavy metals and commonly mercury fillings can also be a trigger. Your immune system is attempting to attack the toxins. Another reason is due to leaky gut. Some try a keto diet temporarily and get a quicker relief. You could also check the autoimmune protocol diet and see if you could make it work for you.

[44Maxine in reply to Heloise]

Hi thanks for this info... yes I also have Epstein Barr antibodies, what is the link with this and hashis? Is there a way to fix both? Xx

[Heloise in reply to 44Maxine]

I think that only functional doctors will attempt to fix it. Conventional ones will barely treat it unfortunately. You can go a long way in supporting your body with good food and supplements. We've had excellent doctors online explaining the process of autoimmunity and they have learned from great research. First you have to forget about how doctors treat any chronic disease these days but there are books like Izabella Wentz's Autoimmune Protocol. She also began with Epstein Barre and they have found the virus actually in the thyroid gland. Start learning because even taking a hormone pill, you still have Hashimoto's. I have notes from the Thyroid Secret in my old posts, also Broken Brain with Tom O'Bryan and Mark Hyland. These people have websites and newsletters and the information is there and completely ignored by the medical profession.

[shaws Administrator in reply to 44Maxine]

email Dionne (email above) who has a list of helpful doctors.

[44Maxine in reply to shaws]

Yes I’ve received email thank you xx