Thyroid Blood Test Results

[NiaJayne]

Hi all!

I posted a few weeks ago about a blood test I was having to measure my thyroid levels following a partial thyroidectomy that I had back in July 2022.

I’ve been experiencing symptoms such as extreme fatigue, hair loss, and the inability to lose weight despite drastically reducing my calorie intake.

The worst symptom I’ve had since surgery is the loss of hair at the roots and the inability to control my body temperature. I’m hot all of the time, even when it’s freezing outside. I’ve only worn a coat once this whole winter. I am overweight admittedly but I’m the same size as I was before the surgery and I never had this issue beforehand. In fact, I used to be one of those people who was constantly cold!

I got my results back from this test and all the doctor said is that my thyroid function is “satisfactory”. I asked for all the details and this is what I got back.

Serum TSH level = 3.3

Serum free T4 level =8

I got no explanation of these results and there is so much to go through online about it so is it possible for anyone to help me out to determine what this means? Is my thyroid function definitely at a normal level despite my surgery?

I had my blood test at 10.30am and I’m also taking vitamin B12, folic acid, and iron supplements as I’ve been low on those before, though the doctor hasn’t tested my levels for any of those issues in a while.

I also haven’t been on any kind of thyroid medication either before or after my surgery.

Thank you so much in advance!

Nia x

[SlowDragon Administrator]

You need range on Ft4 result (figures in brackets after result)

Ft4 looks very low ….need range to say for certain

Different labs have different ranges

Was test done early morning, ideally 9am latest

strongly recommend getting full thyroid and vitamin testing including thyroid antibodies

Details of tests in previous post here

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

Come back with new post once you get results

[pennyannie]

Hello NiaJayne :

These results you have given us are not complete so it is very difficult to say anything of any value at this point time.

It is essential that you continue build up your core strength vitamins and minerals as no thyroid hormone replacement works until ferritin, folate, B12 and vitamin D are up and maintained at optimal levels.

I know now that I feel at my best with a ferritin at around 100 ; folate around 20 : active B12 75++ ( serum B12 500++ ) and vitamin D around 100:

Generally speaking with a TSH over 3 you are likely suffering symptoms of hypothyroidism and considering you have lost around half of your own thyroid hormone production it would seem obviously to me that you may well benefit with some thyroid hormone replacement.

if your doctor is able to I think s/he could un a blood test for these vitamins and minerals alongside a TSH, Free T3 and Free T4 reading range and then we will have a clear picture of where you are in your thyroid journey and can explain what this all.

We can then explain what all these blood test mean and will be better able to suggest your next steps back to better health.

If you go into Thyroid Uk - thyroiduk.org this is the charity who supports this forum and where yo can rad around all things thyroid and there is a page devoted to private blood test companies who can run the relevant blood tests for you.

It is generally referred to as a full thyroid blood test- extra/bundle - to include vitamins and minerals - and there are a couple of companies who together, I think, cover most of the country and can offer a nurse home visit to draw your blood which takes the stress out of the whole arrangement in my opinion, though of course, at a little extra cost.