TSH just in normal range, doctor refusing to help despite me having symptoms that effect my life daily and are worsening. After pushing my GP she finally agreed to do more tests.
These are my results:
Most recent TSH level, July 2020
- 3.99 miu/L
Past FT4 levels range from 9.9- 13
My old doctors always monitored it but since I moved house and moved GP it’s been more difficult to get them to do anything, or even listen.
Also family history of hypothyroidism on both sides of the family
I’ve read a lot of similar experiences which makes me feel like I’m not alone
Thanks for reading😊
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Skate6416
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We need the reference ranges for your results please, these vary from lab to lab and although TSH range doesn't vary much we need to know if you are very close to the top or over range. The FT4 one does vary quite a bit so we can't guess where you lie within the range for that.
Do you always do your tests under the same conditions? When doing thyroid tests, we advise:
* Book the first appointment of the morning, or with private tests at home no later than 9am. This is because TSH is highest early morning and lowers throughout the day. If we are looking for a diagnosis of hypothyroidism, or looking for an increase in dose or to avoid a reduction then we need TSH to be as high as possible.
* Fast overnight - have your evening meal/supper as normal the night before but delay breakfast on the day of the test and drink water only until after the blood draw. Eating may lower TSH, caffeine containing drinks affect TSH.
[* If taking thyroid hormone replacement, last dose of Levo should be 24 hours before blood draw, if taking NDT or T3 then last dose should be 8-12 hours before blood draw. Adjust timing the day before if necessary. This avoids measuring hormone levels at their peak after ingestion of hormone replacement. Take your thyroid meds after the blood draw. Taking your dose too close to the blood draw will give false high results, leaving any longer gap will give false low results.]
* If you take Biotin or a B Complex containing Biotin (B7), leave this off for 7 days before any blood test. This is because if Biotin is used in the testing procedure it can give false results (most labs use biotin).
These are patient to patient tips which we don't discuss with doctors or phlebotomists.
For a full picture you really need to test
TSH
FT4
FT3
Thyroid antibodies
also important are nutrient levels so we also need to test
I think the not sure on the reference range, my doctor didn’t say. I think TSH might be 0.4 to 4 as I mentioned that to her and she didn’t question it. I think FT4 is 10-24? I’d have to ask because I’m not sure 100%
I’m hoping to have the other set of bloods done this week which will test for the other things, T4, T3, B12, antibodies etc.
My vitamin D is slightly low but has gone up now I’m taken supplements.
When having any blood tests done at the GP surgery, give it 2 or 3 days then always ask the receptionist (not the docor) for a print out (never accept verbal or hand written results as mistakes can be made), we are legally entitled to our results and it's a good way of monitoring our conditions ourselves, we learn where we feel best and can use this knowledge if GP every wants to change our dose.
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 and thyroid antibodies - you need to underline to GP that family members have autoimmune thyroid disease
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 as NHS currently rarely tests Ft3 or thyroid antibodies or all relevant vitamins
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