Optimising blood test results

[katezecca]

My mum has tested positive for antibodies but GP won't start her on thyroxine until her standard thyroid tests are not within normal range. She is due a test shortly. Should she fast beforehand? Is there a better time of day to have it done?

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

When doing thyroid tests, we advise:

* Book the first appointment of the morning, or with private tests at home no later than 9am. This is because TSH is highest early morning and lowers throughout the day. If we are looking for a diagnosis of hypothyroidism, or looking for an increase in dose or to avoid a reduction then we need TSH to be as high as possible.

* Fast overnight - have your evening meal/supper as normal the night before but delay breakfast on the day of the test and drink water only until after the blood draw. Eating may lower TSH, coffee affects TSH so it's possible that other caffeine containing drinks may also affect TSH.

* If you take Biotin or a B Complex containing Biotin (B7), leave this off for 7 days before any blood test. This is because if Biotin is used in the testing procedure it can give false results (most labs use biotin in the assay).

These are patient to patient tips which we don't discuss with doctors or phlebotomists.

[katezecca in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thank you 🙂

[appyalison in reply to katezecca]

Follow what Seaside Susie says. She is very knowledgeable and caring.

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My results were initially within normal range but my GP was doing Thyroid research and as the condition runs in my family asked me if I would take part. I agreed and she put me on 25ug for a month, after the month my tests came back low and well out of range. Over the next few months she increased the dosage slowly until I was within the normal range, it changed my life. My advice is to work with your doctor and find the level you feel at your best rather than going by the blood work alone though.

Later in life I experienced 2 years of overdosing caused when I changed surgeries following a brain infection, I could not remember my proper dosage and a mistake was made when my notes were transferred increasing my dose from 150ug to 250ug, Symptoms were nausea and sweating for a week every month but on 9 occasions I collapsed and was rushed to hospital by ambulance.

It took them 2 years to diagnose the problem and correct the mistake but my heart took a right pounding, just want to make you aware of overdose symptoms. I use three tests to diagnose my dosage,

1. Do I sleep well and feel strong? The answer should be YES! Symptoms can be similar for this question whether you are a little high or low.

2. When it is cold do I feel the cold? The answer should be YES! If you are taking a little too much you might sweat a bit and feel warm even when you know you should feel cold.

3. Does my mental health feel well balanced? The answer should be YES! Thyroid disorders can have a surprising affect on your mental well being so this is all part of getting the balance right.

I know this is more information than you asked for but useful to know, a defective thyroid can send your hormone balance into chaos. If you start on thyroxine work with your GP and find this comfortable zone. You may find small adjustments are required from time to time to stay in your comfort zone but these are well worth the difference it makes. It takes about 5 weeks for a dose change to stabilise so give it time and remember there are other conditions, like flu or something, that might be the cause of feeling warm when it is cold.

Good Luck!