I've been having thyroid tests on and off for over two years and I keep getting told that's it's fine but I'm not sure. I am symptomatic but very mild.
In Nov: TSH level was 7.54 (range 0.3-5.0)
T4 level was 14.7 (range 12.0-22.0)
In Oct: THRIVA- TSH level was 7.73 (range 0.3-9.9)
T4 level was 15.7 (range 12-17)
In Aug: TSH level was 5.1 not sure on the T4 though.
This seems like a big increase in 12 weeks.
Is that usual?
In Oct: THRIVA- TSH level was 7.73 (range 0.3-9.9)
T4 level was 15.7 (range 12-17)
I don't think those are the correct ranges for Thriva. According to these posts the range for TSH is 0.27-4.20 and for FT4 it is 12-22:
healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...
healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...
So with your TSH over 7 you are hypothyroid but in the UK most doctors wait until it reaches 10 before diagnosing and prescribing Levo, some countries diagnose when it reaches 3.
Did you do your tests no later than 9am, after an overnight fast and drinking water only before the test? This is the way to get the highest possible TSH.
Did you just have TSH and FT4 tested - no FT3 or thyroid antibodies? If you have positive thyroid antibodies, confirming autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's) coupled with over range TSH then an enlightened doctor may diagnose and start Levo.
Quite right about the thriva ranges - not sure where my brain went there! ha!
My tests have been done at different times but always before - can't get them done before 9 due to the school run but i get appointments as close to as possible.
No FT3 or antibodies tested.
GP has said retest in a year... which seems a bit off since i've had such a big decline (relatively speaking).
Considering how much your TSH has risen since August, I wouldn't wait a year to retest. I'd be inclined to do it in 3 months time and next time you test I'd get a full thyroid/vitamin panel, eg Medichecks Thyroid Check ULTRAVIT, Blue Horizon Thyroid PLUS ELEVEN, or whatever Thriva's comparable one is, I don't use Thriva so don't know what tests they offer.
For nearly 20 years I was told that my tests were normal....until I became very ill. I"m afraid I have little faith in medics when it comes to thyroid diagnoses and treatments.
Many of us have private tests instead -
bmcendocrdisord.biomedcentr...
It would help members to advise if you are able to give an FT3 result....this is the important result that medics overlook. Instead they wrongly rely on TSH. Yours is too high, it is recommended that it should be around 1.
This linked paper will explain
bmcendocrdisord.biomedcentr...
Without further detail it looks as if you have been under/ not medicated for some time
What, if any, thyroid hormone are you prescribed?
If yes, what dose are you taking?
Has that dose changed?
Any addition or changes to medication could alter TSH but we need a little more information.
I'm not on any medication - I've been trying to get the GP to engage with me but it very much feels like they're just trying to pacify me. GP said to retest in a year...
Another clueless medic! A year!
I suggest, if you can manage to do so, that you have a private test then post the results on the forum ...with ref ranges.
I doubt your GP will test FT3....or do a full evaluation. If medics were knowledgeable this forum would not exist!
We need at least FT4, FT3 and TSH but I see you have already had good advice about testing
Oooops just realised I have given you the wrong link for them...should be
thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...
Sorry!
Thank you! If I were to get a private test done what would be the next step?
If I took it to the GP would they look at it? Or need to do their own tests? When I did the thriva tests they dismissed the results and ran their own tests.
Take one step at a time...
Test first
Post results
Follow advice from here
Learn more about your condition... knowledge is power!
Make decision....based on acquired knowledge
If results indicate hypothyroidism visit GP and calmly and politely put a knowledgeable argument to your GP for (a trial of) levothyroxine.
I suggest you write down what you wish to say/ask - I found it stopped me twittering! - and can help you be taken seriously.
Good luck
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 you have autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's) diagnosed by raised Thyroid antibodies
Ask GP to test vitamin levels and thyroid antibodies
You may need to get full Thyroid testing privately as NHS refuses to test TG antibodies if TPO antibodies are negative
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...
For thyroid including antibodies and vitamins
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
Cheapest option for just TSH, FT4 and FT3 £29 (via NHS private service )
monitormyhealth.org.uk/thyr...
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.
This is really interesting, I had B12, Ferritin, and Folate tested as well and thought they all looked a bit low.
B12 - 413 (range 200.0-960.0)
Ferritin - 16 (range 15.0-350)
Folate - 4.7 (range 3.0-18.0)
Just seen this.
Ferritin - 16 (range 15.0-350)
This is dire, just 1 point within range. Ask your GP to do an iron panel and full blood count. Low ferritincan suggest iron deficiency anaemia.
Recommended level for ferritin is half way through range (GP wont agree though, they just see it anywhere in range and it's fine as far as they're concerned).
B12 - 413 (range 200.0-960.0)
If this is pg/ml or ng/L then it is recommended to be at least 550.
Check to see if you have any signs of B12 deficiency here:
b12deficiency.info/signs-an...
If you have then list them and ask your GP to test for B12 deficiency and pernicious anaemia.
If you don't you can supplement.
Folate - 4.7 (range 3.0-18.0)
This is barely in range. A good B Complex containing methylfolate and methylcobalamin will improve both folate and B12. However, don't start a B Complex until further testing of B12 has been done, if necessary. If you don't have any of those signs and symptoms you can go ahead with a B Complex. Consider Thorne Basic B or Igennus Super B.
What would you recommend my next step be? Go back to the GP and ask for a full thyroid evaluation to be done?... even though they said come back in a year? Will they take me seriously?
It's so frustrating - I just want to be taken seriously and not be fobbed off until they think i'm unwell 'enough'.
Is there anything I can do myself to help things? Supplements? Exercise? I'd be willing to do almost anything!
Once GP has tested for low B12 and Pernicious Anaemia you can start supplementing a daily good quality vitamin B complex ....but not until testing has been done
B complex with folate in (not folic acid) may be beneficial.
chriskresser.com/folate-vs-...
B vitamins best taken in the morning after breakfast
Igennus Super B complex are nice small tablets. Often only need one tablet per day, not two. Certainly only start with one tablet per day after breakfast. Retesting levels in 6-8 weeks
Or Thorne Basic B or jarrow B-right are other options that contain folate, but both are large capsules
If you are taking vitamin B complex, or any supplements containing biotin, remember to stop these 7 days before any future blood tests, as biotin can falsely affect test results
endo.confex.com/endo/2016en...
endocrinenews.endocrine.org...
Low B12 symptoms
b12deficiency.info/signs-an...
Low vitamin D and low B vitamins may be linked as explained here
drgominak.com/sleep/vitamin...
You shouldn't supplement iron unless iron itself is low. Iron levels are complex ......It's possible to have low ferritin and normal iron levels.....but with ferritin that low GP should be doing full iron panel to test for Anaemia
If GP is unhelpful then you can get full iron panel testing privately too
Testing vitamin D is essential too. GP usually reluctant as it's a relatively expensive test. Most people test privately via NHS postal kit £29
Very important to get thyroid antibodies tested
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 .
You may need to get full Thyroid testing privately as NHS refuses to test TG antibodies if TPO antibodies are negative
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_...
20% of Hashimoto's patients never have raised antibodies
healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...
Looking at food intolerances with Hashimoto's
Poor gut function can lead leaky gut (literally holes in gut wall) this can cause food intolerances. Most common by far is gluten. Dairy is second most common.
According to Izabella Wentz the Thyroid Pharmacist
approx 5% with Hashimoto's are coeliac, but over 80% find gluten free diet helps, sometimes significantly. Either due to direct gluten intolerance (no test available) or due to leaky gut and gluten causing molecular mimicry (see Amy Myers link)
Changing to a strictly gluten free diet may help reduce symptoms, help gut heal and slowly lower TPO antibodies
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...
Feel great, but should I reduce T4?
What tests should I be asking for?
Should I be asking for a medication increase?
Results. I “should” feel normal 😕
Should I push for treatment?
