Blood results

[Lisajane747]

Just had my TSH done yearly came back 8.05, need more thyroxin.

Wondered why feeling low

Years off tsh being 0.01, but last few year's been more stable

[SlowDragon Administrator]

looking at your reply on other post you are no longer on T3 …..but just levothyroxine

Dose levothyroxine should have been increased when T3 was withdrawn

How much levothyroxine and which brand are you currently taking

When were vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 last tested

What vitamin supplements are you currently taking

[Lisajane747 in reply to SlowDragon]

Hi

My vit b12 OK but take supplements, so bit vitamins and vit d okay this time take large amount. 50ug rhodiola rosea, pre menopause, evening primrose and starflower

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Lisajane747]

just testing TSH is completely inadequate

Do you have Ft4 and Ft3 results

Has GP increased dose levothyroxine by 25mcg

Bloods should be retested 6-8 weeks after each dose change or brand change in levothyroxine

Do you have autoimmune thyroid disease, also called Hashimoto’s usually diagnosed by high thyroid antibodies

[Lisajane747]

Hi

No results for T4 or T3, text told to increase thyroxine to 25 mg and retest in 3 months, and not been told of any

[Buddy195 Administrator]

If you are able, I’d look to test FT3 and FT4 privately plus key thy vitamins (ferritin, folate, vitamin B12 and vitamin D).

[Lisajane747]

Okay thank you

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Lisajane747]

How much vitamin D are you currently taking

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

Bloods should be retested 6-8 weeks after each dose change or brand change in levothyroxine

 

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

About 90% of primary hypothyroidism is autoimmune thyroid disease, usually diagnosed by high thyroid antibodies 

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.

Low vitamin levels are extremely common when hypothyroid, especially with autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto’s or Ord’s thyroiditis) or when been left under medicated

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 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