Two weeks ago my GP called to do an unscheduled HRT annual review. I’m 50, not on other meds and quite fit. She said feeling sluggish was normal for folk with Hyperthyroidism, I nearly fell over in shock! Apparently I’ve had hyperthyroidism since 2014 which was diagnosed by 5 annual tests of undetected TSH and one high T4 of 27 (range 10 to 22) test in 2019. I’ve not seen a GP since March 2019 so not tested since. I was not told about these tests, I thought they were full blood count tests.
I have done an Advanced Thyroid test from Medichecks, draw was done fasted at 07:00 and the results are:
TSH. 3.54 RANGE 0.27-4.2.
T3. 3.93 RANGE 3.1 -6.8.
T4. 17.8 RANGE 12 -22.
THYROGLOBIN ANTI. 11. RANGE < 115.
THYROID PEROXIDASE ANTI. 9. RANGE < 34
B12. >150 RANGE. 35.5-150.
FERRITIN. 95.9. RANGE 13-150.
FOLATE. 16.59. RANGE >3.59
VIT D. 150. RANGE 50-200.
I supplement Vit D and Iron so I will re-test vits in 3 months when I plan to stop taking them for two weeks.
I don’t think these results reflect a Diagnosis of Hyperthyroidism but this is all very new to me!
I supplement Vit D and Iron so I will re-test vits in 3 months when I plan to stop taking them for two weeks.
Stop the iron for 7 days (not two weeks) and make sure you fast for 12 hours before the test.
Why are you taking iron? Did you do an iron panel and it showed iron deficiency or is it prescribed?
Continue with the Vit D supplement up to and including the day before the test - this will then measure what your dose is achieving and you can decide from that if you need to alter your dose. Don't stop Vit D for two weeks.
Are you supplementing with B12 and/or B Complex?
I don’t think these results reflect a Diagnosis of Hyperthyroidism but this is all very new to me!
No, your TSH shows your thyroid is struggling. Most normal healthy people will have TSH no more than 2, very often around 1.
Apparently I’ve had hyperthyroidism since 2014 which was diagnosed by 5 annual tests of undetected TSH and one high T4 of 27 (range 10 to 22) test in 2019.
Possibly transient. Was this after you had a baby? Were thyroid antibodies tested at the time?
Hi SeasideSusie and thank you for replying, helping.
I will stop the iron and re-test in 7 days, I don’t think I want to wait the full 3 months now. My hair was shedding and I felt a little sluggish so the GP said to take a month course of Ferrous Sulphate 200mg 3 times a day. I bought them from the chemist.
I drink 8mg of Marmite stirred in hot water, I thought this was a good way of topping B vits but I didn’t think this was possibly too B12 rich.
The GP hasn’t ever tested for antibodies or T3. I’m 500 miles away from the surgery but have taken the old Thyroid results over the phone twice last week. I’ve not had a baby for 30 years.
I’m a bit nervous about the TSH being higher than ideal and have little confidence in my GP but rely on her for HRT. Thank you so much for pointing this out.
GG is absolutely correct, it’s TRAB and TSI for Graves. I was originally diagnosed as Graves but these were not tested at the time. Later testing was negative in my case for these, but positive for TPO and TG, so my original diagnosis was incorrect. I actually am under active.
Previous results may show low TSH & slightly over-range FT4 but current results show struggling thyroid & low FT3.
I doubt a diagnosis if Graves is suggested, but any low TSH high FT4 or FT3 is referred to as “hyperthyroid” but it’s often transient.
Antibodies are currently negative but antibodies don’t always appear. Antibodies confirm autoimmune issue but the autoimmune aspects aren’t what’s treated.
Keep monitoring regularly as you may see a trend of rising TSH & lowering level.
Pretty appalling they are aware you had low TSH and no further investigation as to cause and careful monitoring of levels increasing further. There’s more than 1 results so how did this happen?
Thanks PurpleNails, I will keep monitoring/testing. Is it best to do the same test every month please?
I rang the GP and asked whether I should have been medicated during the 5 year period and was told that it wasn’t necessary as I was without symptoms. However I was prescribed Zopiclone daily for 5 years for horrific insomnia in the same period. I’ve not taken Zopiclone for 3 years but as it was re-classed as ‘controlled’ I was seen in the surgery every quarter so I’m amazed the thyroid stuff wasn’t mentioned.
I think I read TSH tend to be higher early in cycle but it not a over riding factor & assume as on HRT post menopausal. Edit. Sorry - I realise now you mean test TSH, FT4 & FT3 type of test. Not day/time of test.
Antibodies don’t need to be repeated often. Nutrients, depends on what’s deficient & requires supplements. Function likely more often. There’s lots of options.
Perhaps do a funtion every other time with a option including nutrients.
For testing it more important to arrange testing ideally before 09.00 fast overnight (lots of water). This show highest TSH.
Avoid any supplements with biotin week before. It really applies to very high doses of biotin, but if cautious best to leave off biotin can affect testing process.
Every month might not be necessary, every few months, may be adequate to compare an overall trend. if private testing will work out expensive.
Without symtoms? Insomnia is a symptom. Did doctors didn’t thoroughly check symptoms…
Similar happened to me also in 2014 & I wasn’t rechecked for many years & my levels had climbed & was continuous. (Nodule) I take carbimazole still.
Lots report they are given carbimazole based on low TSH even when FT4 & FT3 is in range (low even) that’s wrong too. but not telling you, not monitoring you is no excuse.
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.
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