What thyroid blood tests do I need?

[CharlyMae]

I have had my TSH and t4 tested but what else can be tested as I’m definitely unwell but levels seem okay.

I know I need my vitamins checked.

Help

[Jaydee1507 Administrator]

People like to know what the actual numbers are of your latest test/s plus the reference ranges. It helps them advise. Also what dose of what medication and for how long have you been at that dose.

Hang in there.

[CharlyMae in reply to Jaydee1507]

TSH was 0.8 FT4 was 14.5

Antibodies were 600 last time they were tested.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

CharleyMae

For a full picture:

TSH

FT4

FT3

Thyroid antibodies - but you know you have Hashi's so these aren't important

Test should be done no later than 9am, nothing except water before the test, last dose of Levo 24 hours before test (if taking T3 or NDT then split dose day before and last dose 8-12 hours before test). No biotin/B Complex/hair and nail supplement for 3-7 days before test as this can give false results.

Vit D

B12

Folate

Ferritin

If you are taking any supplements take after the test on the day, except B Complex or biotin which you should leave off as mentioned above. If taking iron leave off for 7 days before test.

[mistydog in reply to SeasideSusie]

I thought if you are taking B12 then must be stopped for (?) Months?

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to mistydog]

If you are taking B12 and want to know what your dose is achieving then you continue taking it.

If you want to know what you are holding on to then you leave it off for 4 months.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 tested.

Very important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 at least once year minimum

Please add actual TSH and Ft4 results and range

Are you always on same brand of levothyroxine at each prescription?

Recommended on here that all thyroid blood tests early morning, ideally just before 9am and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test

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

bluehorizonbloodtests.co.uk...

If you can get GP to test vitamins 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/

What vitamin supplements are you currently taking?

[CharlyMae in reply to SlowDragon]

I ordered the Medchecks one, will update with results next week

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to CharlyMae]

Only do private testing early Monday or Tuesday morning (Wednesday at a pinch if you pay extra for guaranteed 24 hours delivery)

Don’t do test if it’s heatwave

Test early morning, ideally before 9am and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test

If taking any supplements that contain biotin stop these a week before test

If testing iron, and on iron supplements, stop iron supplements a week before test

[Anthea55]

Hi CharleyMae,

It's really important to get your vitamins and minerals tested before anything else. No point supplementing until you know what you are lacking. Then it may take time to feel the benefit. Thyroid meds may not work properly unless vitamins & minerals are sorted out.

You say your levels seem okay, but being 'in range' is not the same as being optimal. For example TSH can be too high and Free T4 can be too low, but both would be 'in range'.

I assume you've had your tests at the GPs. You need to know the details. You can either ask for GP's reception to print these out for you, or you may be able to get access to them online (ask at reception for how to do that). When you get the details make sure that you get all the ranges as well (you can see how these are written when you look at other posts on here). Be insistent - reception may just say that it's all in range, but say that you want them for your own records.

Best wishes.

[CharlyMae]

TSH was 0.8 FT4 was 14.5

Antibodies were 600 last time they were tested.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to CharlyMae]

What’s the range on Ft4 (figures in brackets after result)

If range is 12-22 ….Ft4 14 is low

Was test done early morning and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test

[CharlyMae in reply to SlowDragon]

Unfortunately I took my thyroxine before the test so I need to do another one!

Yes the range was 12-22

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to CharlyMae]

If took Levothyroxine before test, you have falsely high Ft4 result

So you are definitely under medicated

Request 25mcg dose increase in levothyroxine and retest in 6-8 weeks

Or get full thyroid and vitamin testing done now ….then request 25mcg dose increase in levothyroxine

Are you breastfeeding…..this may increase your need for higher dose levothyroxine

[CharlyMae]

How can I get FT3 tested?

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to CharlyMae]

CharlyMae

FT3 must be tested at the same time as TSH and FT4. If GP can't get FT3 tested then you may wish to do a private test like many of us here.

If all you want is TSH, FT4 and FT3 then MonitorMyHealth is cheapest at £26.10 with discount. If you want vitamins as well then you need to look at Medichecks Advanced Thyroid Function Test or Blue Horizon Thyroid Premium Gold. Details of discounts and links here:

thyroiduk.org/help-and-supp...

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Insist GP test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12

If they won’t you need to test privately via Medichecks or Blue horizon

[CharlyMae in reply to SlowDragon]

How does Medichecks work? Do you go to a private clinic?

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to CharlyMae]

You buy a test

You either do finger prick test at home yourself

Or for an extra fee you can get blood drawn at a clinic local to you

Medichecks and Blue Horizon have large list of clinics you can use

Different kit sent out for DIY finger prick test

Any test should be early Monday or Tuesday morning, ideally just before 9am if possible

For more money you can have a nurse can come to your house….but it needs to be 9am

Tips on how to do DIY finger prick test here

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

First time …..allow plenty of time to do it

Drink plenty of water day before

Exercise before test to get blood pumping

Stand up to do test

Remember to stop taking any vitamin supplements that contain biotin a week before all blood tests

Only do private testing early Monday or Tuesday morning, post back via tracked postal service

Don’t test in heatwave as risks blood damage in post

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Monitor My Health test has to be DIY finger prick test

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Post yesterday discussing DIY blood tests

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu.......

You get 3 lancets in kit - so 3 goes at getting blood out, if first doesn’t go well

If it’s a disaster…they will send another kit or change to getting test at clinic