Borderline hypothyroidism

[Leahjayneox]

Hey 👋🏽 so I was recently told I’m borderline hypothyroidism, I’ve looked into it a lot and in all fairness I’m so scared/worried. It was found by mistake on a blood test my first TSH level was 7.64 I then got Re tested and TSH was 6.38 Free t4 is 9.5 (normal range 7.0-20.0) and was checked for antibodies and come back in range also so no sign of hashimotos. I think for me one of my main worries is the weight gain as I’ve spent the last few years losing nearly 5 stone and I’m finally at a nice weight for me. 😔 it’s really dragging me down hoping to hear back something positive. 🤞🏽 X

[shaws Administrator]

Welcome to our forum and I am sorry you have hypothyroidism.

When the doctors states you are 'borderline hypothyroidism' that just means that your TSH has not yet reached 10 and we are not diagnosed until we reach that number.

Once upon a time, before blood tests and levothyroxine were introduced (replacing symptoms and 'natural dessicated thyroid hormones') we were diagnosed upon our clinical symptoms alone and prescribed NDT.

Some hints: Always get the very earliest appointment for blood tests, fasting (you can drink water) and if taking levothyroxine, allow a gap of 24 hours between last dose and test and take afterwards. This helps keep the TSH at its highest as it can reduce if we eat before the blood test.

Levo is usually taken when we awake with one full glass of water and wait an hour before eating. Food can interfere with the uptake.

Ask GP to test Vitam B12, Vitamin D, iron, ferritin and folate. Everything has to be optimal.

[Nanaedake]

I have read that very severe dieting and weight loss can temporarily affect thyroid function. It is possible to have Hashimotos without raised antibodies but you would need an ultrasound to check it out.