Changing Blood Results: My mum, Auntie, Grandma... - Thyroid UK

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Changing Blood Results

Sarahh85 profile image
6 Replies

My mum, Auntie, Grandma and her sister all have an underactive thyroid. So I’ve always been aware of it and assumed I’d get it one day. In 2016 I had full bloods taken due to fatigue and everything came back within range, TSH was 4.0. The dr decides to test me yearly for thyroid. 2017 it was 4.2. 2018 it was 4.4. Last month it was 5.0!!! I was sent for a more I depth test last week and these are my results:

TSH - 2.89

Free T3 - 5.11

Free Thyroxane - 15.9

Then I also had 2 numbers, I forget what the test was called but it was something to do with auto immunity and both number where very low, 5 and 8 I believe.

The numbers dramatically changed and showed I was within normal range, so I went for another blood test and got similar results. So my thyroid is normal. I’m obviously happy but I’m confused why they dropped without any changes to diet etc!! Anyone heard of this before?

I’m 33.

Edit: the original higher tsh tests were all taken fasted. I had gestational diabetes in both pregnancies and therefore get a yearly diabetic check (always low) at the same time.

The two lower TSH tests were both pm. Not sure if this matters?

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Sarahh85
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6 Replies
MiniMum97 profile image
MiniMum97

Hi Sarah

Do you have the ranges for those results?

Do you always have your thyroid testing done first thing in the morning on an empty stomach?

It is odd to have such a massive change in your TSH - but I had a TSH go from out of range to mid rage just because my test was later in the day after I had eaten. Biotin can also affect thyroid blood tests? Are you taking a b complex?

Has your GP tested your B12, ferritin, folate and vit D - deficiencies in these can cause fatigue.

Sarahh85 profile image
Sarahh85 in reply toMiniMum97

I’ve not had a recent test for these. However they were all okay in 2016, which was the last time they tested.

The two abnormal lower TSH results were afternoon after food. The higher TSH results were first thing fasted (as I get a yearly diabetes test too)

I didn’t realise time of day would make such a difference. Maybe I need the full thyroid tests take in the morning instead.

MiniMum97 profile image
MiniMum97 in reply toSarahh85

I don’t think it will make much if you were retested as I understand the time of day only affects TSH so there is unlikely to be any change to the outcome of your appt as your GP is likely to say you have subclinical hypo with no antibodies which is generally not treated until your TSH is over 10.

I am assuming here that your T3 and T4 are within range. You don’t put the ranges so that is an assumption based on the normal ranges around here. Can you add the ranges to your post please?

What were your vitamin results in 2016 with ranges? “Normal” doesn’t mean much.

Sarahh85 profile image
Sarahh85 in reply toMiniMum97

I was given the results over the phone. I’ll see if I can get a print out with ranges and get back to you.

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator

There is significant diurnal variation in TSH

We always recommend getting thyroid tests as early as possible in morning and fasting for that reason

TSH daily variation

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

Median TSH graph

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

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

Low vitamin levels are extremely common, especially if Thyroid antibodies are raised

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

Medichecks currently have an offer on until end of May - 20% off

thyroiduk.org.uk/index.html

If antibodies are high this is Hashimoto's, (also known by medics here in UK more commonly as autoimmune thyroid disease).

About 90% of all hypothyroidism in Uk is due to Hashimoto's.

Low vitamins are especially common with Hashimoto's. Food intolerances are very common too, especially gluten. So it's important to get TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested at least once .

Link about thyroid blood tests

thyroiduk.org/tuk/testing/t...

Link about antibodies and Hashimoto's

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

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

List of hypothyroid symptoms

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

Sarahh85 profile image
Sarahh85 in reply toSlowDragon

Thanks you so much. Really useful.

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