TSH “normal” but still experiencing hyperthyroidism symptoms

[ClaireALF]

Hi

I am new.

Just had my TSH results back and they are “normal” at 1.34. However I am still experiencing hyperthyroidism symptoms. Is it possible to have hyperthyroidism with this result?

I am morbidly obese with a BMI over 40, does that make a difference to my result?

Any advice would be great

[PurpleNails Administrator]

Hello & welcome

Can you provide a little more history? Did you have a diagnosis of hyperthyroidism? Do you take any thyroid medication?

What were your FT4 & FT3.

I have hyperthyroidism and my TSH is suppressed [0.01] even with antithyroid medication lowering my FT4 & 3 low in range it’s never risen into range.

The TSH Doesn’t always reflect the FT4 & FT3 level accurately.

Obesity can affect thyroid, for example FT3 tends to be higher in range in those who are obese.

This year I lowered my BMI from 46 to 34 and it had the affect of allowing me to lower my antithyroid.

[ClaireALF in reply to PurpleNails]

Hi Never had any thyroid issues in the past, however haven’t been feeling great for a while so went to my gp and they just did a TSH test.

I don’t have any other results.

Literally just had a basic TSH test.

[PurpleNails Administrator in reply to ClaireALF]

What symptoms do you have?

Has your doctors tested for other things?

If your levels are suddenly rising it’s possible the TSH hasn’t reacted yet.

NHS do not test FT4&3 unless TSH out of range.

For full thyroid function you need TSH, FT4, FT4, Folate, ferritin, vitamin D, & B12. TPO antibodies, TG antibodies. Deficiencies in the key nutrients cause similar symptoms and must be optimal for good thyroid health.

If you did have hyper results you would need TSI and TRab tested.

Many test privately, if GP refuse to help.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

What sort of symptoms

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

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

Just testing TSH is completely inadequate

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

Most thyroid disease is autoimmune

Hashimoto’s- hypothyroid, but frequently has transient hyperthyroid symptoms and results . Diagnosed by high TPO or high TG thyroid antibodies

Graves’ disease - hyperthyroid. Diagnosed by high TSI or Trab

Low vitamin levels are extremely common, especially if you Hashimoto’s or Graves

Ask GP to test vitamin levels and thyroid antibodies

Low vitamin D common when overweight

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...

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...

Graves Disease antibodies test

medichecks.com/products/tsh...

Link about thyroid blood tests

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

Link about Hashimoto’s

thyroiduk.org/hypothyroid-b...

Link about Graves’ disease

thyroiduk.org/hyperthyroid-...

List of hypothyroid symptoms

thyroiduk.org/signs-symptom...