Hi, I’m looking for some help interpreting a recent blood test. I’m hoping someone with some experience in reading these can advise on wether I’m more on the hypo or hyper end of the spectrum in relation to my thyroid and which of these results more indicative of this. Many thanks in advance!
TSH 3.95 mIU/L (Range: 0.27 - 4.2)
Free T3 5.31 pmol/L (Range: 3.1 - 6.8)
Free Thyroxine 21.000 pmol/L (Range: 12 - 22)
Hi mikeybarn
I probably shouldn’t even be answering because I’m no expert, but I have been on Synthroid for at least fifteen years so I do know that my TSH number at 3.2 is considered normal. If you want to know which end of the spectrum you are, I would say hypo. Not that you are but you are closer to that end than hypo.
Hi there,
It is somewhat difficult to interpret, as you have not stated if you are on any replacement medication or not. Also - how do you feel? Are you tired?
My take on this would be as follows:
If you are NOT on medication, it looks like you are still making enough of free T3 and T4, but the rising TSH indicates that your thyroid has to work extra hard to produce the hormone supply. Would be interesting to test for antibodies to see if there is something going on. You may or may not have any symptoms yet.
If you ARE on medication, it appears that you have ample free T3 and T4, but the high TSH would indicate that there is something else going on. Would need further investigation. Also if you are on medication, the increase in TSH would probably be symptomatic e.g. feeling of tiredness.....
Hi All, thanks for your responses. I’m not on any medication for thyroid. I’m on 10mg of Paxil which is a SSRI. I’ve ordered another more detailed thyroid check from medicheck
Given that depression is a hypo symptom, and that you are actually hypo when your TSH gets to 3, I would say you're most definitely on the hypo end of the spectrum. However, your FT4 and FT3 are saying euthyroid. Which is strange. But, have you had your antibodies tested? If your antibodies are high, meaning that you have Hashi's, strange things can happen. 
It is hard to interpret blood results without further information (although a lot of doctors will have a go). Can you list your symptoms and include your pulse and temperature?
You have depression which is something I had twice before finding out about Hashi's. I recommend that you go beyond a simple thyroid panel and look for deficiencies in a range of vitamins and minerals and also other hormones. Also a thyroid antibody panel will prove useful.
With depression there is the suggestion of inflammation occurring in the body... I have always hated, " It's all in your head," response about mental health- it really isn't - mind and body are connected. A blood test can check for inflammatory markers. Magnesium really helps lower inflammation, so does Turmeric and some other nutrients.
Deficiencies in B12 are very common and a long term low in range value will not get flagged by your GP, but can be extremely damaging to your cognitive ability and nervous system in general. Depression can be undiagnosed b12 deficiency.
Deficiencies in Zinc in men especially can lead to low testosterone and serotonin. Deficiency in Magnesium (really hard to test for this though), Zinc, Vitamin C and B vitamins can cause long term anxiety which will put your adrenals under a lot of strain and your thyroid will 'pick up the pieces' and attempt to compensate ( in Hashi's you will be wearing out thyroid and adrenals). Deficiency in vitamin d can cause deficiencies in all other hormones.
Thank you for your responses everyone. It can be so confusing unless your talking to people like you guys who know. My symptoms are loss of weight from 15.5 stones to 12 in about a year. Weakness in legs with crawling sensation. Feels like a lot of muscle tone has been lost in my legs. Anxiety, feeling a pressure in my chest. Skin is very dry, never experienced this in my life before. Mouth is very dry, feels like I’m dehydrated. Concentration and motivation is very low. Energy is low.
I’ve ordered a more comprehensive thyroid test.
My lifestyle is pretty healthy. No alcohol at all, very little sugar. Vegetables and fruit every day. Very little processed food.
I take zinc as a supplement along with vitamin c. I’m going to try a complex which will include b12. My thyroid test I’ve ordered includes b12.
Hi again, I had a few more thyroid test done. Results are here.
I have been taking doses of magnesium, b vitamins, zinc.
Thanks to everyone with their advice
Eyebrows have started growing again : )
Need Advice Please 
Increased anxiety…
Menopaused. Would starting HRT mean reducing NDT? Has anyone experience of this please?
I’m fine. Really?
