Is it possible to have thyroid issues even if your test results come back normal?

[healthiskey]

I'm still waiting on my test results but they will most likely come back normal as they did the last time i got my bloods done. I do have ALOT of symptoms of thyroid issues yet seemingly normal test results.

[greygoose]

Well, the first thing to know is: there's no such thing as 'normal'. When a doctor says 'normal', all he means is that the result is somewhere within the range. But, just being in-range isn't the same as optimal. If your TSH is over 3, and your FT4 and FT3 are right at the bottom of their ranges, then you are more than likely hypo.

Another problem is that doctors tend to only look at the TSH, and if that is in-range, they don't care what the FT4/3 look like. But, the TSH isn't always a good indicator of thyroid status. It could be in-range, but your FT4 below range, because your pituitary isn't functioning correctly. But, they don't take that into account.

So, yes, definitely, it is possible to have in-range results (normal) and still be hypo.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

What testing have you had in the past

Looking at your other posts

Are you coeliac or gluten intolerant

What vitamin supplements are you currently taking

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 at least once year minimum

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

About 90% of all primary hypothyroidism in Uk is due to autoimmune thyroid disease .

Autoimmune thyroid disease with goitre is Hashimoto’s

Autoimmune thyroid disease without goitre is Ord’s thyroiditis.

Both are autoimmune and generally called Hashimoto’s.

In U.K. medics hardly ever refer to autoimmune thyroid disease as Hashimoto’s (or Ord’s thyroiditis)

Recommended on here that all thyroid blood tests early morning, ideally before 9am

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 and money off codes

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

Link about thyroid blood tests

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

Link about Hashimoto’s

thyroiduk.org/hypothyroid-b...

[Jmillie in reply to SlowDragon]

I appreciate all of the information that you have provided. My primary care doctor only tests T3 and it is currently at 70. I believe it is usually higher than that and will be researching past blood work for comparison. I am very tired, weak, do not eat much yet fo not loose weight despite walking and water exercise, I have had several forms of neuropathic pain for decades and I current have more chills and tingling I legs with some full body parenthesis. Blood pressure has increase to pre hypertension but I had reactions to the medication I was given for that. It’s nearly impossible to get physicians to look at the whole picture. We are our own advocate . I am in the USA and considering consulting with specialists in Boston, Mass. again, your post has helped.

[Nollig]

Hello .For 4years I have had the same problem so you are not alone.I have “jumpy through hoops”to sort this out but no luck so far.My symptoms are pressure in head and very bad foggy brain etc.itchy all over. loss of muscle and aches and pains everywhere .Everyone on this web site knows what you are saying and it can make you mad trying to make sense of it.I have decided the problem is really quite simple,the solution not so much.In my case I worked out my T4 is not converting to T3 so the G.P, gives you levo which helps your TSH reading but you end up with so much T4 (which is not converting) it makes you feel unwell.I also believe our G.P. s are “slaves” to big pharma and will not prescribe DTE .which has worked really well for a long time.I am determined to get some and give it a go Watch this space.

[Jmillie]

Interesting. I need to learn how you calculate T4 to T3 but they do not test my T4…