What tests should i get done?

[JhonnyBoy]

Hi, i am 20 years old and have had various symptoms for 7-8 years. Recently, i got myself checked for a b12 deficiency and found out that I was deficient. The doctor supplemented me with b12, folate, vitamin d and some minerals but my symptoms didn't go away. I recently got myself checked for serum tsh and had a value of 5(without fasting). Soon, i will show this test to the doctor, so that the doctor can prescribe me further tests. I've heard that there are tests which the doctors don't regularly advice but are crucial to a proper diagnosis. Can anyone here, provide me with complete lists of tests which i should get done? Also, should i also get tested for stomach infections? If yes, then which ones and why?

[princess20]

Hi JhonnyBoy. I have just this minute logged on only to see your post. I am currently doing the same research re B12 deficiency The administrators kindly sent me a link which is below listing all the tests that need to be done to ascertain if you have a B12 deficienty. I found it really helpful.

b12deficiency.info/signs-an....

Let me know how you get on....all the best xx

[greygoose]

For thyroid - which I presume is what you want to know - you need:

TSH

FT4

FT3

TPO antibodies

Tg antibodies.

But it's unlikely that your doctor will test for all of those. The NHS rarely tests for FT3 and Tg antibodies, I'm afraid.

[JhonnyBoy in reply to greygoose]

I know that tsh and t4 is used to make a diagnosis and is also used for treatment but could you tell me more about the other tests and how they can help in treatment ?

[greygoose in reply to JhonnyBoy]

Not just T4, but FT4. T4 - aka Total T4 - tests the combination of bound and free T4, but your body can only use free T4, so we need to know how much we have of that.

T4 is basically a storage hormone. It has to be converted into the active hormone, T3, which is needed by every single cell in your body to function correctly. FT3 should be tested to know if you have enough. And, FT3 should be tested at the same time as FT4 to see how well your body carries out that conversion.

Both FT4 and FT3 should be looked at for prescribing purposes. However, once you are on thyroid hormone replacement (levo, etc.) the TSH is of limited use - especially once it drops below 1.

The antibodies should be tested to see if you have Hashi's or not. Having Hashi's won't change your treatment, but it will change your blood test levels from time to time - something that doctors just don't understand. Do you know about Hashi's?

[JhonnyBoy in reply to greygoose]

Thanks for all this info. I only know that hashi's is an autoimmune disease and is the main cause of hypo and that antibodies are created which suppress the thyroid. If i do get diagnosed with hypo, would my medication be lifelong irrespective of the reason, i developed it?

[greygoose in reply to JhonnyBoy]

hashimotoshealing.com/under...

This article will help you understand Hashi's.

Hypothyroidism is usually for life, yes. It rarely gets better or goes away. You would need life-long medication for it.

[JhonnyBoy in reply to greygoose]

Thanks for helping me out

[greygoose in reply to JhonnyBoy]

You're welcome.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 plus both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested. Also 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

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 primary 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_...

You mention gut issues.....

Obviously your B12 levels will be high as you have injections

How much vitamin D are you currently taking and has level been retested since started supplementing?

[SlowDragon Administrator]

A TSH of 5 is above average

Median TSH graph

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

TSH daily variation showing why get tested early morning

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

[JhonnyBoy in reply to SlowDragon]

Hi, should i also get tested for h pylori? I have chronic diarrhea and abdominal discomfort, so should i? Or is this just a symptom of hypothyroidism? Many people suggest that there is a link between the two?

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to JhonnyBoy]

Yes can request H pylori test

While still eating high gluten diet ask GP for coeliac blood test first or buy test online for under £20, just to rule it out first

Assuming test is negative you can immediately go on strictly gluten free diet




(If test is positive you will need to remain on high gluten diet until endoscopy, maximum 6 weeks wait officially)




Trying gluten free diet for 3-6 months. If no noticeable improvement then reintroduce gluten and see if symptoms get worse

chriskresser.com/the-gluten...

amymyersmd.com/2018/04/3-re...

thyroidpharmacist.com/artic...

scdlifestyle.com/2014/08/th...