Thyroid re-test: So basically... I had my... - Thyroid UK

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Thyroid re-test

confusedkm profile image
9 Replies

So basically...

I had my thyroid levels taken in May (I had a full blood count) and the levels showed the following:

FT4 11 (range is 12-22pmol/L)

TSH 6.25 (range is 0.27-4.20mlU/L)

I have and still have symptoms of hypothyroidism.

I have been retested (yesterday) and I received my results today. The doctor said the following:

FT4 13.6

TSH 4.52

(both ranges are the same)

They have said that I am feeling rough due to low iron which has come back worse than it did in May so I need to increase the mg in iron supplements.

I am not taking any thyroid medication. My Mum and Gran both have hypothyroidism. Could anyone help as to why my results have changed and possibly improved? I am frustrated because I was hoping this would come back as no improvement and they would put me on thyroid medication.

Thank you 😊

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confusedkm
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9 Replies
Marz profile image
Marz

Did you have both tests done at the same time ? Did they re-test Ferritin and serum iron ? Taking VitC can help iron absorption.

Have you started B12 or a B Complex yet ... ?

confusedkm profile image
confusedkm in reply toMarz

no, so the one I had done in May was in the afternoon and the recent one was done in the morning! they tested ferritin only which was 25 & they’ve just recommend iron supplements which are 200mg! I haven’t started B12 or B Complex 😊

Marz profile image
Marz in reply toconfusedkm

As suggested by greygoose - test early in the morning and fasting. Also ask for anti-bodies to be tested - Anti-TPO.

Are you taking VitC to aid absorption of Iron. It was mentioned in an earlier post of yours that a B Complex would help raise your B12 and Folate. Ferritin would be good around 70 - so you have a way to go.

confusedkm profile image
confusedkm in reply toMarz

That’s why I am so confused- the results were better (lower) when I had the blood test taken in the morning after fasting, doesn’t make any sense! I am not currently taking any vitamins but the doctor wants me to take 200mg of iron. I explained that I am feeling rubbish all the time and they said it’s not to do with my thyroid and it’s just because I’m low in iron. So now it has left me unsure whether my thyroid is a problem or not. Thank you for your help 😊

Marz profile image
Marz in reply toconfusedkm

I would take the prescribed iron with VitC and see how you feel. Don't forget to re-test Iron ..

greygoose profile image
greygoose

Have you ever had your antibodies tested? If they are high - meaning that you have Hashi's - then that would account for levels jumping around. But, you do need to always do your blood draw at the same time of day, if you want to be able to compare your results. :)

confusedkm profile image
confusedkm in reply togreygoose

I haven’t unfortunately! ah okay, thank you for explaining that to me- that’s a great help ☺️

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply toconfusedkm

You're welcome. :)

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator

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

Likely it’s autoimmune as your Mum and Grán are both hypothyroid

Ask GP to test vitamin D levels and thyroid antibodies

Vitamin D test via NHS postal kit

vitamindtest.org.uk

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)

Private tests are available as NHS currently rarely tests Ft3 or thyroid antibodies or all relevant vitamins

List of private testing options

thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...

Thyroid plus vitamins including folate (private blood draw required)

medichecks.com/products/thy...

Thriva Thyroid plus vitamins

thriva.co/tests/thyroid-test

Blue Horizon Thyroid Premium Gold includes vitamins

bluehorizonbloodtests.co.uk...

If you can get GP to test vitamins and antibodies then cheapest option for just TSH, FT4 and FT3

£29 (via NHS private service ) and 10% off if go on thyroid uk for code

thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...

monitormyhealth.org.uk/thyr...

Medichecks - JUST vitamin testing including folate - DIY finger prick test

medichecks.com/products/nut...

Medichecks often have special offers, if order on Thursdays

If TPO or TG thyroid antibodies are high this is usually due to Hashimoto’s (commonly known in UK as autoimmune thyroid disease).

About 90% of all primary hypothyroidism in Uk is due to Hashimoto’s. Low vitamin levels are particularly common with Hashimoto’s. Gluten intolerance is often a hidden issue to.

Link about thyroid blood tests

thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...

Link about Hashimoto’s

thyroiduk.org/hypothyroid-b...

List of hypothyroid symptoms

thyroiduk.org/signs-symptom...

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