What blood tests for Hypo?

[Jogger24]

Hi folks,

Still on my diagnosis journey (4 years in 🙈). I’m going to organise bloods this week and want to make sure my GP requests the right tests. I think I need the following:

TSH- is ultra sensitive TSH the same thing?

Free T3

Free T4

Vitamin D

As I have anemia I’ll also test

Ferritin

B12

As I have high prolactin I’ll also test

Prolactin

Estrogen

FSH

… as well as a FBC.

Am I missing anything important? I initially thought I was perimenopausal but my hormones seem fine - keeping an eye on them nonetheless as I’m 48.

Every time I get bloods done there’s always something missing to progress any further (last time I think T3 was not tested and GP took t he blood test after administering a double shot of neo-cytamen). This time I want to make sure I don’t miss the important ones as I’m pretty sure I’m hypo at this stage and need some treatment.

Thanks for your valuable advice!! 🙏

[Buddy195 Administrator]

I really hope your GP will test all the above. However, many GPS will not test T3 if TSH / T4 is in range. Even my endocrinologist has been unable to get my T3 tested via the NHS, so that’s why I (like many on the forum) test privately (eg Medichecks/ Blue Horizon).

I feel empowered by self testing key vitamins & thyroid levels, as I know nothing is missed out & I can take the test at a time that’s convenient for me (I often find it difficult to get an early morning blood draw at my GP surgery).

Re peri menopause (I’m going through this too!), I’ve found that many symptoms overlap with thyroid health. I’ve found Dr Louise Newsom’s Book & Balance App really useful in tracking peri menopause symptoms & providing links to further reading/ information.

[Snooperkitty21]

I follow you on here because our stories are so similar! Check out my posts. My symptoms are exactly like yours as are the tests I’ve had. I also can’t figure out what is wrong with me. I’ve been on my journey for 3.5 yrs, am 41 yrs old now. My hormones have been tested a few times and are balanced and fine. I always thought my low ferritin was the problem but I have it up to at least 67 now and my symptoms are still here. Mostly brain fog, no memory and low mood among others.Did you get thyroid antibodies tested yet? Mine are in range but my ft4 is the same as yours (low in range) so I am trying levothyroxine for the first time! I started at 25 mcg and will ask for an increase in a few weeks. Hoping to see changes.

[Jogger24 in reply to Snooperkitty21]

Oh thanks for posting! I’ll go check out your posts now - it’s actually so comforting to even know someone else is experiencing the same symptoms so I’m not alone!

My son was diagnosed (after 8 years of testing and monitoring) with low growth hormone. Interesting to see that the symptoms of low growth hormone in adults are very similar to hypo too - just FYI in case anyone else has come across this.