Thyroid

[Rocky123]

Just been told by levels are borderline on 200 levo.Feel fine generally.Occasionally feel have thickening in throat area.Any thoughts advice.

[Jazzw]

Which of your tests is “borderline”? And at which end of the range? Too high or too low?

People will be able to advise better if you’re able to post your actual results plus laboratory reference ranges.

[greygoose]

I think you'll get better advice if you give us the exact numbers: results and ranges. Just saying you are 'borderline' tells us nothing at all. Borderline what?

[PurpleNails Administrator]

Borderline how. What are your results?

For full thyroid function you need TSH, FT4. FT3. TPO & TG antibodies. Also important to test folate, ferritin, B12 and vitamin D if these aren’t optimal levo won’t well.

GPs often look at TSH alone and are unconcerned provided results are anywhere in range.

When you have blood test do you arrange blood draw early in day, fasting overnight except water and delaying dose until after?

Swollen throat often resolved if found under medicated and dose increased.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Looking at your profile, you’re male

Approx how much do you weigh in kilo

Do you always get same brand levothyroxine at each prescription

Do you always take levothyroxine on empty stomach and then nothing apart from water for at least an hour after

No other medications or supplements within 2 hours

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.

If in U.K.

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

Bloods should be retested 6-8 weeks after any dose change or brand change in levothyroxine

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 at least annually

When were vitamin levels last tested

What vitamin supplements are you currently taking, if any

Low vitamin levels are extremely common, especially with autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto’s or Ord’s thyroiditis)

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 .

Last dose of Levothyroxine 24 hours prior to blood test. (taking delayed dose immediately after blood draw).

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 all relevant vitamins

List of private testing options

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

Medichecks Thyroid plus antibodies and vitamins

medichecks.com/products/adv...

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

bluehorizonbloodtests.co.uk...

Thriva Thyroid plus antibodies and vitamins By DIY fingerpick test

thriva.co/tests/thyroid-test

Thriva also offer just vitamin testing

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/

NHS easy postal kit vitamin D test £29 via

vitamindtest.org.uk

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 too

Link about thyroid blood tests

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

Link about Hashimoto’s

thyroiduk.org/hypothyroid-b...

List of hypothyroid symptoms

thyroiduk.org/if-you-are-un...