As the title suggests I have a TSH level of 4.1 and normal T3 & T4. I am led to believe that in the UK this is considered normal (So my doctor’s say anyway) but in other parts of the world my TSH would be high. From memory my TSH was only 2.7 around 5 years ago so it seems a big jump!.
Has anyone in the UK successfully managed to gain some thyroid medication from their GP with a similar TSH?
We always need reference ranges when result are posted, ranges vary from lab to lab so we can't interpret them without the ranges.
Presumably TSH of 4.1 is within range? If so you have no chance of any GP diagnosing you here in the UK unless your FT4 was below range. Again, seeing your FT4 and FT3 results and ranges, rather than saying "normal" would be very helpful. If your FT4 is below range with a normal TSH then that points to Central Hypothyroidism where the fault lies with the pituitary or the hypothalamus rather than Primary Hypothyroidism which is where the thyroid fails.
Have you had thyroid antibodies tested? If these are positive with an over range TSH (but below 10) then you could be diagnosed and started on Levo.
Other than those examples, TSH has to reach 10 here in the UK for diagnosis.
From the ranges we see here for FT4 and FT3, you wont be below range for either of them, whatever the range is. Plus, of course, your TSH is within range.
I'd be looking to get thyroid antibodies tested, your GP may be able to get TPO (Thyroid Peroxidase antibodies) tested which would be a start, but he wont be able to get Tg (Thyroglobulin antibodies) tested, I believe that's only done in secondary care.
You could always do a full thyroid/vitamin panel with one of our recommended private labs who offer home fingerprick or "arrange your own blood draw" tests. In normal circumstances they offer blood draw at clinics but this has been suspended for the moment.
Both tests include the full thyroid and vitamin panel. They are basically the same test but with the following small differences:
For the fingerprick test:
Blue Horizon requires 1 x microtainer of blood (0.8ml), Medichecks requires 2 x microtainers (total 1.6ml)
Blue Horizon includes Total T4 (can be useful but not essential). Medichecks doesn't include this test.
B12 - Blue Horizon does Total B12 which measures bound and unbound (active) B12 but doesn't give a separate result for each. Medichecks does Active B12.
Total B12 shows the total B12 in the blood. Active B12 shows what's available to be taken up by the cells. You can have a reasonable level of Total B12 but a poor level of Active B12. (Personally, I would go for the Active B12 test.)
Blue Horizon include magnesium but this is an unreliable test so don't let this sway your decision, it also tests cortisol but that's a random cortisol test and to make any sense of it you'd need to do it fasting before 9am I believe.
If you decide to do one of these, be aware that the blood has to be posted the same day that you do the test to arrive at the lab the next day, so you'd need to look into the postal services offered. Standard first class post is being severely delayed at the moment, personal experience over the last week or so has shown both outgoing and incoming mail taking 5-7 days, so you'd need to look at Special Delivery Guaranteed Next Day offered by Royal Mail or maybe even consider a courier service. Of course, all this is extra cost.
Those of us on here, who are on thyroid meds, pay almost NO attention to Numbers.
It's how we feel that's absolutely key!
So, we address our thyroid related symptoms by regular monitoring, via blood tests, every 6 weeks.
Then titrate our meds up or down to suit.
If not on any prescribed meds, we self source and treat.
So WHAT symptoms exactly are you hoping to address?
Thanks
ALps
• in reply to
Hey Alps, thanks for your comment!
My symptoms are largely based around my moods and energy levels.
Although I have been diagnosed with Anxiety and Depression, I’m not too sure if my thyroid could play a part in this. I have tried more medication to treat these symptoms than I can remember and not one has helped.
As previously mentioned, my energy levels are very low, nomatter how long I sleep for I constantly feel tired and sluggish.
I have noticed that I have some thin patches of hair (both on my scalp and on the side of my head). Maybe this symptom is something else entirely though especially as I’m in my mid 20’s.
You're not converting T4 to T3 very well. Your T4 is still higher than mine and I'm on levo. If you don't have high antibodies look at nutrition. If it's a conversion problem are you getting enough selenium? Also vitamin A and D are required to get T3 into the cells and omega 3 is what makes it usable. Any deficiency of these could be causing you problems.
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