High TSH - subclinical hypothyroidism

[parisienne14]

My TSH came back as 5.25 and highest level within the 'normal' range is 4.20.

Normal T4 so this suggests (according to my research) subclinical hypothyroidism. I've suffered with unexplained chronic pain for 10 years and cold is a major factor.

GP said I should wait 12 months and have thyroid test repeated.

Now seeking a second opinion for retesting every 3 months and getting thyroid antibodies test to see if it could be hashimotos.

What should I do as my GPs tend to act really slow. I'm worried my levels (like TSH) will get worse and therefore my symptoms will because even now I'm suffering badly.

Any tips on what to do is much appreciated and what I need tested, how to get diagnosed etc and how to convince GP it could be this!!!

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Recommend getting FULL thyroid and vitamin testing done yourself

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 plus both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested.

Very important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12

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

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 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...

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). Ord’s is autoimmune without goitre.

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...

Endometriosis and autoimmune thyroid disease often linked

Come back with new post once you get results

[parisienne14 in reply to SlowDragon]

Wow thank you so much for all your information!! Looking into all of this tonight

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Restless legs often low magnesium (common with low vitamin D) and/or low iron/ferritin

[parisienne14 in reply to SlowDragon]

Ugh I have restless legs and insomnia!! Adding to my notes to tell the GP thank you so much

[jedoha]

I had readings above 5 and felt I wasn't right I was frequently constipated even though i had a good diet, I needed more sleep than normal (I needed 10 hours on average or nap in the afternoon!) Memory recall issues, feeling cold. I was put on 12.5 mg for 6 months but that did little to change things, but after a few month on 25mg I am better than I could imagine.. Readings now 4.9 and dose doubled to 50 but having to cut back as it's affecting my digestive system, frequent toilet visits! I would say get straight on 25 and check again in 3 month.

[JAmanda]

I had sub clinical levels but lots of symptoms like you and meds have helped a lot. I’d just get private tests in a month and go back with them to Doc asking for a trial of Levo saying how symptoms are affecting your work and relationships etc Take test first thing and a week away from vitamins with biotin in. Get tsh t4 and T3 for full picture.