Blood donation

[Unforgiven213]

Hello. I was diagnosed with subclinial hypothyroidism 2 months ago and I've been put on 25 mcg. My TSH was at 6.8 at the time of the diagnosis. Am i eligible for giving blood?

[greygoose]

I don't know about eligible, but it would probably be better if you didn't, right now. Your need is greater than theirs! Wait until you're optimally medicated, and feeling well, and you've had your nutrients checked, and they're all optimal, and then it wouldn't hurt.

[Hidden]

I enquired with the Blood Donor Service about this and was told it's ok to give blood if your thyroid condition has been stabilised.

Obviously yours hasn't been yet. At 25mcg you are at the beginning of your journey. Hopefully it will be sorted in reasonable time. But that is several months at least. Nothing happens fast with thyroid treatment! Thyroxine has to be increased gradually, usually in 25mcg increments every 6-8 weeks until your symptoms hopefully resolve.

As greygoose says, you need to look after yourself first.

All the best x

[Clarrisa]

I agree with the other posts that it is not a smart move to donate unless you were wanting to make a autologous donation for a non elective surgery for yourself. Or you felt the need to do a special donation for your child (if you have one in need of blood).

A donation will lower your hemoglobin level. This can tire many donors out & this lowered hemoglobin level can be slow to rebound in many donors. This is often true of menstruating women. Why tax your body anymore than it already is at this time?

[silverfox7]

I gave blood for a long time after being diagnosed and being O neg I was the universal donor but each time I had to chat with the doctor first re my thyroid status. The BTS have in reality to make sure we are fit enough to donate and that we can't harm the patient either.

[HashiFedUp]

With a TSH of 6.8 I wouldn’t describe that as ‘subclinical’. I’d say you were just full blown underactive thyroid. 25mcg is very low. Keep asking for increase until your symptoms get better. Don’t reply on blood results alone - doctors should know to treat symptoms not just rely on results.

[Kittymeowmeow42]

As everyone has said, wait until you feel better. I give blood (i have a rare type) and the staff are always very careful with me, they give me extra time to rest before i get up. Do you for the time being.

[MissSusan]

From the NHS blood donor website.

You may donate provided:

1. You are not still having medical investigations for this

2. You have not been diagnosed with malignancy (cancer)

3. You have not taken anti-thyroid medication in the past 24 months (Carbimazole, Propylthioracil or Iodine)

4. You have not been treated with radioactive iodine in the past 6 month

Taking THYROXINE or LEVOTHYROXINE does not prevent you from donating provided it is more than 8 weeks since commencing thyroid replacement therapy and/or you have been on a steady dose of the medication for at least 4 weeks.

If you have required surgery for your thyroid, please check the guidelines below:

1. If you had any infection you cannot give blood until you have been completely recovered for at least 14 days *

2. All wounds are fully healed

3. Sadly, if the surgery was for cancer you cannot give blood

4. If your surgery or procedure was performed through a natural orifice you cannot give blood for 4 months from date of procedure ***NOTE - A natural orifice is any external opening in the body (belly button is NOT a natural orifice).***

5. You cannot give blood whilst you are awaiting hospital appointments or are still under medical care

6. If you have had or think you had a Blood Transfusion or any Blood Products since 1st January 1980 you cannot give blood **

7. You must have returned to normal activities of daily living (for example routine housework, back to employment, driving, etc.)

8. You must be fully recovered and it’s been at least 7 days from your surgery if the other criteria do not apply

[HowNowWhatNow]

Do you have raised antibodies too? Or is your TSH the only thing out of whack?

This may be implicit / clear in the “subclinical” title to others, but not to me.

I have full blown Hashimoto’s, and felt terrible until my TSH was under better control than yours is. How do you feel? Presumably OK - otherwise you would mention it.

[Fanfeck]

Like others have said, you need to be on a balanced regular dose before you can donate. I’ve just given my first pint ever, and felt pretty drained for a few days after, but hasn’t put me off.