Blood tests

[Meno27]

Hi docs just rang with results of first blood test said they were abnormal needs another blood test 8 weeks from now is this normal thxs

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

What tests? Just TSH?

If this is your first abnormal TSH then it's normal to retest in a few weeks. This is because non-thyroidal illness can cause elevatedTSH and if your TSH is elevated at your second test a few weeks later then that would suggest underactive thyroid rather than a non-thyroid illness which would probably have cleared up in the intervening weeks.

Why not post your results, including reference ranges, for members to comment.

[Meno27 in reply to SeasideSusie]

Yes hypothyroidism was at bottom of form when I went for blood tests thanks for info makes sense thxs

[SlowDragon Administrator]

First thing is, do you have any actual blood test results? if not will need to get hold of copies.

You are legally entitled to printed copies of your blood test results and ranges.

UK GP practices are supposed to offer online access for blood test results. Ring and ask if this is available and apply to do so if possible, if it is you may need "enhanced access" to see blood results.

In reality many GP surgeries do not have blood test results online yet

Alternatively ring receptionist and request printed copies of results. Allow couple of days and then go and pick up.

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 plus both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested. Also very important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12

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

If you have high thyroid antibodies, it can be more common to become hypothyroid for few years after stopping smoking

Recommended on here that all thyroid blood tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and before eating or drinking anything other than water . 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_...

[Meno27 in reply to SlowDragon]

Hi SlowDragon can you give me some advice. I dont think I can carry on like this for another 8 weeks

Thxs for all advice appreciate it

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Meno27]

First step is to get hold of most recent blood test results

You are legally entitled to printed copies

Ring receptionist at GP's. Ask if Blood test results are available to see online if you register for online access to your medical record.

If they are, then take ID down to GP's a register for online access. It takes a day or two to sort out. While there request printed copy of your most recent blood test results now

Come back with new post once you get results