Need advice

[PeachyBlossom]

I’m not from the UK I’m from Australia but I can’t find an Australian group so I’m posting in here

I got a blood test done a few weeks back that checks for a lot of things including thyroid cause I’ve been having some throat and neck and tonsils problems. When I got the results I was told by my GP that my thyroid was fine (they only tested TSH) but I’ve been informed by someone in another group that my TSH levels are too high but are still within range is this true? And if so do you think I should get a at home thyroid test done to check my T4 and T3 levels?

I also got a ultrasound of the thyroid done and they said my thyroid was normal size and there were no nodules on it.

I’m rlly worried now I thought my thyroid was ok. 😣

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

PeachyBlossom

A normal, healthy person would generally have a TSH of no more than 2, often around 1, with FT4 around mid-range-ish. So your TSH is on the high side. However, TSH can be raised due to non-thyroidal illness so it would be worth repeating your test in a few weeks, but also include FT4, FT3 and thyroid antibodies to give a full picture.

Also useful would be to test Vit D, B12, Folate and Ferritin.

[PeachyBlossom in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thanks so much for your reply.

I honestly can’t believe my GP didn’t tell me it was on the high side.

I might mention a T3 and T4 test to my GP but if they refuse to do it there I’ll probably have to order my own test online.

And after I mention a few other things which could be causing my problems with my throat and neck to my GP like allergies or a fungal infection then I’ll definitely mention getting my vitamin levels tested!

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to PeachyBlossom]

PeachyBlossom

I honestly can’t believe my GP didn’t tell me it was on the high side.

A GP won't agree that your TSH is on high side, they will just say it's in range therefore it's normal.

In some countries Primary Hypothyroidism is diagnosed when TSH reaches 3, in the UK it has to reach 10 before diagnosis, I don't know what it is in Australia.

The problem with only testing TSH is that it misses two possible other types of hypothyroidism :

1) Autoimmune Thyroid Disease aka Hashimoto's which is diagnosed by raised Thyroid antibodies with an over range TSH.

2) Central Hypothyroidism which is where the problem lies with the pituitary or the hypothalamus rather than the thyroid, and is diagnosed when FT4 is low with normal, low or minimally elevated TSH.

[PeachyBlossom in reply to SeasideSusie]

Omg 10 that’s rlly high! I can’t believe they actually wait till it’s that high.

I’ve found a test which I can order online in Australia which will cost $112 it tests TSH, T4, T3, TGAB and TPO

My mum said she’ll wait to buy the test until I’ve had other things tested first which is rlly annoying.

I’m rlly worried that I do have it cause I’ve heard it’s rlly hard to keep under control I’m only 17 I’ve been sick with something else on and off for a few years now and I just want to live a normal healthy life

[shaws in reply to PeachyBlossom]

I diagnosed myself and TSH was 100. All doctors I saw had no idea of clinical symptoms of hypothyroidism. Not one took a blood test for thyroid hormones. I had never heardof hypo myself or knew anyone who was hypo.

In these modern times it seems that the skill of the doctors have diminished and the reliance upon blood tests alone whilst ignoring disabling symptoms seems to be the norm.

This is the procedure for a blood test.

1. The earliest possible appointment.

2. Fasting (you can drink water)

3. Allow a gap of 24 hours between last dose of thyroid hormones (if you've been prescribed).

4. Ask for B12, Vit D, iron, ferritin and folate.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to PeachyBlossom]

Getting vitamin levels tested first is sensible option

You need vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 tested

Come back with new post once you get vitamin results and ranges

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to PeachyBlossom]

PeachyBlossom

Make absolutely sure that it is Free T4 and Free T3 that are tested, not Total T4 and Total T3.