Can I have thyroid bloods when on period?

[Staj]

I have thyroid bloods booked for today and have just come on my period. Am I still OK to go ahead with the bloods?

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Staj

I'm afraid I don't know the answer to your question as I'm way past periods now and there was no mention of taking that into account when I was in that position.

However, as you're asking the question past 10am then your thyroid test is booked for too late anyway. Always advised here is to do the test no later than 9am, this is because when looking for a diagnosis of hypothyroidism (or to avoid a reduction in dose of Levo or when looking for an increase in dose) we need the highest possible TSH. TSH is highest early morning and lowers throughout the day so no later than 9am is best.

Also, because certain foods might affect TSH, and coffee and caffeine containing drinks affect TSH, it's best to have nothing except water before the test.

I would cancel your appointment and rearrange for possibly mid-cycle.

[Staj in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thanks so much. Very glad I asked now. I rescheduled the bloods for a morning app. 👍⭐