Anyone had luck getting diagnosed with a TSH around 3?

[connorje888]

The Thyroiduk official website says a TSH over 2.7 can be hypothyroidism, and I think it's fair to say most people from what I've read don't feel optimal with a TSH above 2+

My latest TSH has come back at 3.2, and I'm just wondering if anyone has been diagnosed and trialled with meds with a similar TSH? I know you have FT3, antibodies etc, but they only test for FT4/TSH and I would only need an abnormal TSH to be treated

Is there ANY point in going to the doctor with a TSH like this or will they just not listen? Maybe it would help to mention thyroiduks optimal reference ranges? and my symptoms of fatigue and sleeping a lot, cold body temperature, etc

It would be nice to hear from someone that has tried, while their numbers are still within the doctors reference ranges and if you had any luck. Thanks

[Julesboz]

In my experience you’ve got almost no chance getting diagnosed or treated with a TSH of 3.2. Mine was similar after a hemithyroidectomy with similar symptoms to you and my surgeon and GP both said my thyroid function was fine when it patently wasn’t. I’ve resorted to optimising my vitamins and minerals and taking Metavive 1 which has made a big difference. All done without GPS help, although I do have the backing of a holistic private GP. Sorry I can’t be more positive!

[Hidden]

I´m not in the UK so cannot comment on your specific situation, although I´ve read that mainstream medicine in the UK won´t consider you hypothyroid unless your TSH is >10.

If there are unconventional doctors in the UK willing to treat you with a TSH of a little over 3, I am sure UK members will let you know.

However, you may have to be ready to self-treat.

The problem is most mainstream doctors are clueless when it comes to the thyroid and how it works. I have been to doctors who had no idea what T3 was, who did not know that T4 is supposed to convert to T3, and I have even met doctors who had no idea there were any other drugs except levothyroxine...

[connorje888 in reply to Hidden]

That is scary. Yeah, I think I will be ready to self medicate.

[Katurajo1 in reply to Hidden]

Exactly this, I am in the US but here you cannot get treated by a mainstream doc with a tsh under 5 typically. I believe mine was in the 3 something range and I saw a functional doc. He put me on thyroid meds and after a year or so my primary took over the prescription. That good primary moved away now and they gave me a moron so I’m self treating.

[connorje888]

I believe it runs in my family. It looks like self medicating is my only option based on these comments.

[LivingWithHT]

If your TSH has gotten that high then it will most likely get even higher. However, by the time it gets high enough for a doctor to agree to put you on medication, you’ll likely have suffered for another few years. From your symptoms, you definitely sound like you have hypothyroidism but since your TSH is still within the “acceptable range” according to almost every endocrinologist/doctor out there, you’re highly unlikely to come across an understanding one. It would be better to also get thoroughly tested at a private clinic if you can because the more evidence you have, the less likely a doctor will automatically dismiss you. Vitamin and mineral levels should be tested, too (especially vitamin D & B12, folate & ferritin.)

*Edit: I see you have already posted similar questions/comments and looking at your results, the only things that really stand out is your TSH level and your B12. That’s possibly because you’re still quite young and your lab results won’t look as bad just yet. It’s also possible you might be suffering from adrenal fatigue due to stress.

[greygoose]

It's not just about the TSH. As was pointed out to you in your very first post, you need to know your FT3 and FT4 as well. Your FT4 was actually good, but that doesn't mean that your FT3 is, and it's T3 that causes symptoms when it's too high or too low, not the TSH. So, until you get full thyroid testing done, there's really not much point in speculating.

[connorje888 in reply to greygoose]

5.25

pmol/L

( 3.1 - 6.8 )

That is my latest FT3

[SlowDragon Administrator]

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 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

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

Add results and ranges if you have them

Improving low vitamin levels can significantly improve symptoms and, if you are hypothyroid, often raises TSH so that levothyroxine will be prescribed