Hi everyone, firstly I'm new here and never felt the need to reach out on the internet for help but I'm so confused right now.
Sorry for the long post but I've been diagnosed with subclinical hypothyroidism. I've been under the care of a nephrologist for monitoring of proteinuria for a while now. Went to my GP back in October with abdominal pain, acid reflux, tiredness/aching, feeling cold (very unusual for me) and weight gain. Took lots of bloods including thyroid and coeliac, TSH high end of normal and FT4 low end of normal (don't have the actual number sorry) and everything else was fine (coeliac negative). Repeated thyroid bloods couple of weeks ago and TSH 4.57 (0.27-4.2), FT4 12.3 (11-25), TPO antibody negative. GP said no treatment needed and I was subclinical hypothyroid. Saw my nephrologist today who said my BP as increased and I'd managed to gain 10kg in 6 months, he then chatted to me about why I had gone to the GP in the first place and told me I should have been started on treatment and that I do have hypothyroidism (not sub-clinical).
For a long time now (several years) I have had a high ANA with nucleolar pattern and have been classed at risk of developing immune mediated disease, no idea if this is relevant.
I'm so confused, I've booked an appointment with my GP next week any thoughts on these bloods and what I should be asking for at the GP.
Written by
Kate95
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Hi Kate - I am also newly diagnosed with hypothyroidism and am currently in the process of getting my dosage right (not there yet). I asked to be tested last year because my daughter (17) was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism Hoshimotos at 13 with a TSH of 803.5 😳. I do not have hoshimotos, but my TSH came back at the top of the range (4.45 with 4.50 being the top of range). My doctor said I was “normal” but I pushed and he agreed to send me to an endocrinologist. I waited 4 months with continued symptoms and by then my TSH was a little higher (4.65) and would have been flagged as “high” on the previous test. My endocrinologist immediately put me on Levothyroxine 50 mcg. I’ve been increased twice and am on 75 still with symptoms. My doctor said people with a healthy thyroid have levels below 2.00. My last test showed my TSH levels had actually increased some after a dosage increase! So I’m thankful that I’m being treated now and have faith they eventually my symptoms will subside and I will feel better.
The point I’m trying to make is keep pushing for treatment! You’ve got an elevated TSH with symptoms. Ive found this forum to be extremely helpful as far as what to ask for and how to prepare for your GP visit. I hope you get some answers and the treatment started that you need!
Thank you, hope you are feeling better soon. I'll keep trying just confusing with the clinical/subclinical terms when I feel like I have symptoms (and nephrologist agrees) but my GP has stuck to 'normal ref ranges'
First thing is, do you have any actual historical 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.
The best way to get access to current and historic blood test results is to register for online access to your medical record and blood test results
UK GP practices are supposed to offer everyone 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 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
You will need to get full Thyroid testing privately as NHS refuses to test TG antibodies when TPO antibodies are negative
We have many people onhere who only have raised TG antibodies and they struggle to get Hashimoto's diagnosed
20% of Hashimoto's patients never have raised antibodies. An ultrasound scan of thyroid can be helpful
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
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 you can get GP to test vitamins and antibodies then cheapest option for just TSH, FT4 and FT3 £29 (via NHS private service )
If either TPO or TG antibodies were high at any previous tests, even if within range now ...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 .
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Can anyone help with my blood results?
Can anyone help interpret results 
Bloods results back from medichecks can anyone help please 
Newbie to this - is anyone able to help with test results?
Can anyone please help with interpreting blood results please? 
