getting thryoid thorough test

[Cigar]

I would like to get a thorough thyroid test, nothing showed up in terms I was borderline, in the last doctor's. I have all the symptoms of an underactive thyroid, or at least I think so. Where could I get another test that is not too expensive. I am female 71 and am worried about what to do next. I could pay something as it is fairly impossible to get to my doctor now with the virus. Thank you for any help, best wishes

[shaws Administrator]

Welcome to our forum Cigar and am sorry you don't feel well.

We have some labs that do home 'finger-tip' blood tests. I will give a link.

If you decide to do so, drink more fluid than usual a couple of days before and make sure your hands/arms are warm so blood draw is easier.

Most members get:

TSH, T4, T3, Free T4, Free T3 and thyroid antibodies.

If you think you cannot do this, an arrangement can be made for you to go to somewhere local by the laboratory.

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

[SlowDragon Administrator]

First thing is, do you have any actual blood test results? if not will need to get hold of copies.

Let’s see these “borderline” results......frequently they clearly show you should be treated

You are legally entitled to printed copies of your blood test results and ranges.

The best way to get access to current and historic blood test results is to register for online access to your medical record and blood test results

UK GP practices are supposed to offer everyone online access for blood test results. Ring and ask if this is available and apply to do so if possible, if it is you may need "enhanced access" to see blood results.

Link re access

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

In reality many GP surgeries do not have blood test results online yet

Alternatively ring receptionist and request printed copies of results. Allow couple of days and then go and pick up.

Important to see exactly what has been tested and equally important what hasn’t been tested yet

Far too often only TSH is tested

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 if not been tested

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)

Is this how you do your tests?

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...

Medichecks Thyroid plus antibodies and vitamins

medichecks.com/products/adv...

Thriva Thyroid plus antibodies and vitamins By DIY fingerpick test

thriva.co/tests/thyroid-test

Thriva also offer just vitamin testing

Blue Horizon Thyroid Premium Gold includes antibodies, cortisol and vitamins by DIY fingerprick test

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 down to £26.10 if go on thyroid uk for code

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

monitormyhealth.org.uk/thyr...

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...

Low vitamins are EXTREMELY common as we get older

Low B12 and low vitamin D especially

Getting GP to test vitamin D, folate, B12 and iron and ferritin if not been tested yet

If you have any results and ranges already please add them

[SlowDragon Administrator]

See flow chart on top of page 2

gp-update.co.uk/Latest-Upda...

If TSH is over range (but under 10) on two separate thyroid tests 6-8 weeks apart, you should be offered trial of levothyroxine