thyroid symptoms

[Clydeiknowyou69]

I had a TSH blood test a few months ago. Taken at quarter to ten in the morning. Level was 5.75. My antibody test, not sure what test has come back at 96.1. Doc says normal. I have near enough every symptom of underactive thyroid. Should I proceed further or just continue feeling rubbish.

[greygoose]

With a TSH of over 5, you are most certainly hypo. And, over-range antibodies would suggest Autoimmune Thyroiditis. So, yes, you most certainly should proceed further - it will only get worse, not better.

Your GP is totally wrong, there is nothing 'normal' about a TSH that high. A 'normal' (euthyroid) TSH is around 1, never over 2, and you are hypo when it reaches 3. Is this the first thyroid test you've had?

Just a word to the wise, if you have another one, insist on having it before 9 am, because that is when your TSH will be highest.

[Clydeiknowyou69 in reply to greygoose]

The TSH test was a repeat test, was high three months previously. Don't know what level. Wasn't told. Can't access econsult at my surgery, suspended for the foreseeable future, they have a shortage of GP's apparently. Will phone and see if I can speak to GP, but if they're saying my levels are normal I don't think anything will be done. Crying as I write this.

[greygoose in reply to Clydeiknowyou69]

Don't wait to be told your levels, you probably never will be. Doctors prefer you don't know. But, it is your legal right to have a copy. Ask at reception for a print-out.

Google NICE guidelines, and when you've read them, tell your doctor to read them. He obviously doesn't know what he's talking about.

[Clydeiknowyou69 in reply to greygoose]

Thank you for your kind advice.

[greygoose in reply to Clydeiknowyou69]

You're welcome.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

As per my reply in previous post …..get full thyroid and vitamin testing done…..via Medichecks or Blue horizon

Only do private testing early Monday or Tuesday morning, and be aware of possible postal strikes

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

[SlowDragon Administrator]

If previous TSH was also over 5 you should be started on the

Antibodies test …..need range.

Usually if over 34 this is high and confirms autoimmune thyroid disease

Starting levothyroxine - flow chart

gps.northcentrallondonccg.n...

Get hold of printed copies of this test and previous test results

You are legally entitled to printed copies of your blood test results and ranges.

The best way to get access to current and historic blood test results is to register for online access to your medical record and blood test results

UK GP practices are supposed to offer everyone online access for blood test results. Ring and ask if this is available and apply to do so if possible, if it is you may need "enhanced access" to see blood results.

Link re access

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

In reality many GP surgeries do not have blood test results online yet

Alternatively ring receptionist and request printed copies of results. Allow couple of days and then go and pick up.

Important to see exactly what has been tested and equally important what hasn’t been tested yet

ALWAYS test thyroid levels early morning….ideally just before 9am

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

[Clydeiknowyou69 in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you for your kind advice. I will ask for my blood test results and see what else should be looked into. I will look into the blood tests via medichechks or blue horizon as well. What do these companies need, is it finger prick testing. I'm a wuss with needles. Many thanks again

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Clydeiknowyou69]

They both offer options to get private blood draw at clinic near you