Ridiculously High TSH?

[shond2015]

It's been a long time since I have been on this site......and I wondered if anyone would help me interpret the recent blood results I have received from my Endo?

Having had the great pleasure and honour of being treated by Dr Peatfield (Dec 2017) I began a fantastic journey of complete recovery (using a cocktail of supplements together with Adrenavive III and privately obtained T3 - self medicating with 50mg per day. (all taken with Dr Peatfield's guidance and advice). In fact, I became so well I was able to return to my job and life was great for a while.

However, the last 6 months I have become increasingly unwell, suffering all the old symptoms again....which has forced a visit to specialist Endo again.

Blood results just arrived are as follows:

TSH 43.6.

T4. 2.5

T3. 4.7

(please note: I had taken 25mg of T3 prior to hospital attendance because the appointment was supposed to be simple check up so wasn't prepared for blood test)

I just don't understand the TSH reading? it is ridiculously high?

I would be very grateful for any input on this...many thanks in advance.

My end has written to my GP suggesting that I increase my T3 back to 50mg and is undertaking a DHEA and 'Synacthen test in 3 months.

Once again, thanks for any input. Shon

[SlowDragon Administrator]

This seems extremely odd

On T3 it’s almost always TSH is very low

Suggest you get FULL Thyroid and vitamin testing via Medichecks

What vitamin supplements are you currently taking?

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 or include in private testing

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 .

Last dose of Levothyroxine 24 hours prior to blood test. (taking delayed dose immediately after blood draw).

This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, best not mentioned to GP or phlebotomist)

If/when also on T3, make sure to take last dose 8-12 hours prior to test, even if this means adjusting time or splitting of dose day before test

Is this how you do your tests?

Private tests are available. Thousands on here forced to do this as NHS often refuses to test FT3 or antibodies

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

If you can get GP to test vitamins and antibodies then cheapest option for just TSH, FT4 and FT3 £29 (via NHS private service )

monitormyhealth.org.uk/thyr...

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_...

[shaws Administrator]

Dr Peatfield was well-loved and a conscientious doctor who knew how to diagnose/treat his patients. I read the book 'Tears Behind Closed Doors' and I wish endocrinologists and doctors would read this book when they're training as Endos, as I'm sure there are quite a number of people who would also have similar treatment/advice that Diana Holmes had for years.

I'd request another blood test, i.e. the earliest possible, fasting (you can drink water) and allow a gap of 24 hours from last dose and test and take afterwards. I'm sure your early dose of T3 would have messed up your results.

At least your Endo has increased your dose. 25mcg of T3 is equal approx (in its effect) to 100mcg of T3.

[shond2015]

Thank you both very much for replying so quickly and providing such comprehensive info/advice.

Do you think the TSH reading of 43.6 could be a typing error? (either from the lab or the (just graduated) young Endo?) and is my T3 within range? BTW....Unfortunately, the Endo does not prescribe T3 for me - I have to self medicate- get my T3 from Turkey. The TSH reading is so high, should I be even breathing??!!

Shon D

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to shond2015]

you say you use to be on 50mcg T3

But now only 25mcg

Why have you reduced dose?

If not taking any levothyroxine as well, 25mcg is probably a small dose

Have you had to change brand of T3?

[Treepie in reply to shond2015]

My TSH was over 100 before diagnosed so not very high! Follow Slow Dragon’s advice.

[Angel_of_the_North in reply to shond2015]

Even if TSH is 4.6 or 3.6, it still shows that you are undermedicated. Can't really tell as you don't give ranges for FT4 and FT3.