Have been subclinical for some years now but after latest test have been called to gp surgery next week to discuss results with nurse practitioner. As only TSH was tested, I ordered full tests from Blue Horizons so would have full picture, however I'm now more confused than before. Results are as follows starting from most recent:
Blue Horizon: 4/12/19
TSH 5.56 (0.27 - 4.2)
T4 Total 94.4 (66 - 181)
Free T4 15.7 (12 - 22)
Free T3 4.59 (3.1 - 6.8)
Anti-Thyroidperoxidase abs 68 (<34)
GP surgery 29/11/19
TSH 8.4 (0.27 - 4.2)
GP surgery 3/1/18
TSH 4.8 (0.27 - 4.2)
Free T4 16 (11 - 22)
Serum thyroid peroxidase antibody 31 (normal but no values given)
GP surgery 17/11/17
Serum Free T4 17 (11-22) TSH 5.8
GP Surgery 15/12/11
TSH 5.76
I have not been prescribed levo and am not on any other medication.
Is it unusual for there to be such a discrepancy between GP and Blue Horizons TSH results, especially as they are only a week apart?
I should also add that I have felt unwell since 2011 with lots of symptoms typical of hypothyroidism but have been told until now that results were 'normal, with no further action needed'. My concern is that if GP orders another blood test and TSH is back around 5 level, then I wont be prescribed levo and will remain feeling ill.
Any insight or advice would be appreciated.
Written by
LP321
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So your TPO antibodies confirm you have autoimmune thyroid disease also called Hashimoto's
Levels fluctuate with Hashimoto's
Important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12
Ask GP to test vitamin levels, these are frequently too low
With NHS TSH test result of 8.4 your GP should be starting you on Levothyroxine
Supplementing to improve low vitamin levels can significantly improve symptoms too
Hashimoto's frequently affects the gut and leads to low stomach acid and then low vitamin levels
Low vitamin levels affect Thyroid hormones
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
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