Is my son’s TSH number a concern: My son had a... - Thyroid UK

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Is my son’s TSH number a concern

RachelChD profile image
27 Replies

My son had a blood test recently and the the test came back with a TSH of 3.2, low vitamin D (43) and high B12 (800) the GP didn’t check the Ft3 or Ft4 or the the antibody.

I have been suffering from hypothyroidism for years and a was struggling when my TSH was at 3.00.

Should I encourage my son to do more tests he is in his 20s not sure I want him to embark on a journey of levo at this age. Or should I not worry about it? Thank you for your insight

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RachelChD
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27 Replies
TiggerMe profile image
TiggerMeAmbassador

Just at this stage with my daughter, she is mid 20's and after finding out my DIO2 result I paid for us both to have a DNA thyroid test and though she isn't as wonky as me their is a weakness that might leave her likely to be affected in the future. Yesterday we sent off a sample to MMH so that we know where she is at, presently she doesn't have any hypo symptoms but we all know they can sneak up on you...

Since her mid range result last year I've had her on a regime of B vits, heme iron and Vit D as she was low in iron and B12, possibly more prevalent in menstruating girls? But worth asking your son's GP to run a full iron panel..

GP result showed similar TSH level to your son's though my daughter is on birth control which could also play a part?

I'm certainly of the opinion that knowing your 'normal' is going to come in handy in the future as they might just run at this level? But certainly support the low vitamins etc to allow for the best possible thyroid function has got to be a good idea 🤗

I've nagged all of my nephews and nieces to get a blood test.

Should get her results today... I wonder if the new regime will have helped?

RachelChD profile image
RachelChD in reply toTiggerMe

Thanks a lot a for sharing. I will make sure to up is vitamins and minerals level. It could be in the family indeed as my dad is hypo as well. Fingers crossed I will manage to help to stay out of being hypo. I hope your daughter is improving.

TiggerMe profile image
TiggerMeAmbassador in reply toRachelChD

Daughters results just in (7am test) previous... TSH in January 3.7 (7.30am)

Results
arTistapple profile image
arTistapple in reply toTiggerMe

Yes I wish I had a ‘well’ result from years ago. It could give me insight into where my ratio was when it was better placed.

Jaydee1507 profile image
Jaydee1507Administrator

Does your son have any symptoms of hypothyroidism? If he does then probably worth getting his antibodies tested, as if they were positive would be something further to go on.

What time of day was this test? For highest TSH blood draw should be at or as close as possible to 9am.

A normal healthy thyroid would be a TSH of no more than 2 so this result is suspicious.

TSH can be raised in other circumstances such as a virus so perhaps leave a few months and retest.

It would be good to test all of his key vitamins when you get the antibodies tested - ferritin, folate, B12 & d3.

He could start supplementing D3. Vitamin D should be around 100 - 150. Buy one that includes vit K2 to help it go to the bones. Some are available in oil or you can take it with an oily meal for better absorption. Use this calculator to work out how much to take to get your level to 100-150. wildatlantichealth.com/vita...

RachelChD profile image
RachelChD in reply toJaydee1507

Thank you for your reply that’s helpful. He had covid a few weeks back and his test was done at 11am in the morning so that could explain. I will encourage him to do another test in a few months.

Jaydee1507 profile image
Jaydee1507Administrator in reply toRachelChD

Do include antibodies next time around. Recent Covid could explain a slightly higher than average TSH.

RachelChD profile image
RachelChD in reply toJaydee1507

Thank you 🤗

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator

Work on improving his low vitamin D for now

Then get full thyroid and vitamin testing in 2-3 months

GP should prescribe 1600iu everyday for 6 months but easier to self supplement

NHS Guidelines on dose vitamin D required

ouh.nhs.uk/osteoporosis/use...

GP will often only prescribe to bring vitamin D levels to 50nmol.

Some areas will prescribe to bring levels to 75nmol or even 80nmol

leedsformulary.nhs.uk/docs/...

GP should advise on self supplementing if over 50nmol, but under 75nmol (but they rarely do)

mm.wirral.nhs.uk/document_u...

But improving to around 80nmol or 100nmol by self supplementing may be better

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/218...

vitamindsociety.org/pdf/Vit...

Once you Improve level, very likely you will need on going maintenance dose to keep it there.

Test twice yearly via NHS private testing service when supplementing 

vitamindtest.org.uk

Vitamin D mouth spray by Better You is very effective as it avoids poor gut function.

There’s a version made that also contains vitamin K2 Mk7. 

One spray = 1000iu

amazon.co.uk/BetterYou-Dlux...

Another member recommended this one recently

Vitamin D with k2

amazon.co.uk/Strength-Subli...

It’s trial and error what dose we need, with thyroid issues we frequently need higher dose than average

Vitamin D and thyroid disease 

grassrootshealth.net/blog/t...

Vitamin D may prevent Autoimmune disease 

newscientist.com/article/23...

Web links about taking important cofactors - magnesium and Vit K2-MK7

Magnesium best taken in the afternoon or evening, but must be four hours away from levothyroxine

betterbones.com/bone-nutrit...

medicalnewstoday.com/articl...

livescience.com/61866-magne...

sciencedaily.com/releases/2...

Vitamin K2 mk7

betterbones.com/bone-nutrit...

healthline.com/nutrition/vi...

RachelChD profile image
RachelChD in reply toSlowDragon

Thanks a lot for your great insight and helpful links.

nimnom44 profile image
nimnom44

Did he have the test because he had symptoms?

RachelChD profile image
RachelChD in reply tonimnom44

Thank you for your reply. He had a test for other issues but because I am hypo I just wanted him to be tested.

Madge72 profile image
Madge72

yes I would...nhs doesn't do all test together I use medichecks I am now on the right dose

RachelChD profile image
RachelChD in reply toMadge72

Thank you I will have him tested again in a few months.

Painwork profile image
Painwork

Its a no brainer surely! The condition is hereditary so hes got it from you. I would get referred to hospital for more tests or go private. GPs dont know the full picture. Dont ignore anything where his health is concerned.

RachelChD profile image
RachelChD in reply toPainwork

Thank you for your reply, I just hope I can keep him off being hypo as long as possible but will do further checks in a few months when he had his uptake of vitamin D.

Angiebot0 profile image
Angiebot0

in my humble opinion, his TSH is a problem if he is not well. Whilst his result is in range, I am not good myself anywhere over 1, however, I doubt he will get levothyroxine if he is in range.

RachelChD profile image
RachelChD in reply toAngiebot0

Hi Thank you at the moment he doesn't have too many symptoms so fingers crossed but I will check again in a few months when he has been on Vitamin D daily.

PeterL profile image
PeterL

Hi Rachel. Why did your son have a blood test? TSH 3.2 is in the normal range although a bit higher. As long as your son has no clear symptoms of hypothyroidism, I wouldn't bother him with more tests. If you are worried because you have hypothyroidism, you can ask for a blood test in six months to a year.

When your son has clear signs of hypothyroidism (which also can be caused by many other diseases) like tiredness, weight gain, obstipation and so on, you can ask your GP for thyroid blood tests, but the cause can also be another disease or lack of vitamins.

Patient support organisations like the ThyroidTrust can support you with evidence based information.

RachelChD profile image
RachelChD in reply toPeterL

Hi Peter

Thank you for your reply. He had a test for another issue but I just wanted the thyroid checked as a prevention. He doesn't seem to have any symptoms but his vitamine D was very low. I will investigate again in a few months.

Mira265 profile image
Mira265

I think you should get another appointment at your surgery and if he cannot explain then asked to be referred. Your son of course should do this.

RachelChD profile image
RachelChD in reply toMira265

Hi Mira,

Thank you for your help, I will have him checked again in a few months.

nimnom44 profile image
nimnom44

I totally agree with PeterL. If your son has no obvious symptoms then I would request another blood test in 6 months if you're worried - and if you can.

RachelChD profile image
RachelChD in reply tonimnom44

Thank you for your reply. I will have him checked again in 6 months.

KnackeredKaty profile image
KnackeredKaty

Doctors tend not to test T3 as when I've asked them they say it's not that reliable a test! TSH is within normal range but the Vitamin D level is alarmingly low and your son should receive treatment for that.

RachelChD profile image
RachelChD in reply toKnackeredKaty

Thank you for your insight. I agree his vitamin D is very low he started working on that.

DandyButch profile image
DandyButch

Sorry for the late reply, but I have been so ill over the last two years on levothyroxine. I am now on liothyronine only and am starting to show improving health. Long time down, long time to get back up.I hope others will help you with your questions, they always do.

If you want to know anything else, I will be pleased to help, if I can.

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