I had persistent AF for almost a year when I was prescribed Amiodarone in December 2022.
Bloods were tested in Feb 2 months after starting Amiodarone (which put me back in SNR and I've remained there since January).. My TSH level then was 3.0 I was retested in May and it was 5.49 although I wasn't advised as it was within the parameters of normal (0.35 -5.5)
To cut a long story short I became concerned that my Blood pressure average went from 126/75 (where it been for a long as remember) to 147/80 almost overnight and it has stayed at this level since. I saw my GP last week and he arranged another blood test where TSH level was 5.34.
As NHS don't test any other markers I had a private Thyroid test with Thriva and these are the levels:
"Your TSH is raised, so suggests a need for more thyroxine, but your thyroxine level is normal. This kind of mismatch can occur when the body's metabolic needs temporarily change, for example with a viral illness.
I would suggest repeating this test in two months to verify it has normalised.
The elevated thyroid autoantibodies are associated with a higher risk of developing thyroid disease, especially if you have thyroid disorders in your family. The level of the autoantibodies is not usually considered to be important. Even if your next test is normal, I would recommend monitoring your basic TSH/FT4 each year."
I've made an appointment to see my GP but for various reasons not until 22 August.
I'm just wondering if those with similar experiences could advise if I should be concerned or if there is any action they would recommend.
Many thanks
Sue
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diminished7th
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Thank you for replying - I have given a lengthy repsonse to Purple Nails so forgive me for not repeating myself in reply to you but I believe the guidelines have been followed with regard blood tests.
Do you have an existing - diagnosed thyroid condition or are you undiagnosed?
Your post / profile do not say you have been diagnosed - but the doctors comments suggest you do.
If you are currently on thyroid hormone replacement, how much do you take?
Recommend tests are schedule for morning eg 09.00, replacement is delayed until after. Fasting night before. Supplements containing Biotin can also skew tests.
Was your test taken under the circumstances recommended?
Going by doctors comments - “ Your TSH is raised, so suggests a need for more thyroxine”
This is based on the theory that high TSH equals low FT4 & FT3 levels.
Levo replaces the T4 & your body converts what it need to FT3.
Your FT3 is extremely low which is why the TSH is raised.
The FT3 is the active powerful hormone. A small quantity is produced from thyroid - but most T3 is converted from T4.
Have you been unwell / ill in any other way. This can temporarily cause low FT3. This is explained in doctors comments - “This kind of mismatch can occur when the body's metabolic needs temporarily change, for example with a viral illness.”
In most cases hypo symptoms are caused by FT3 some are less affected by low FT4 if FT3 is good.
Those on replacement showing poor conversion like this is often seen on forum. Key nutrients is a potential issue. Ensuring optimal nutrients can improve conversion.
Might be a good idea to test folate ferritin, B12 & Vitamin D & supplement where needed.
Thank you so much for such a comprehensive reply. I have never previously been diagnosed with thyroid issues and do not take any meds for it. I eat a very healthy diet with lots of fruit, veg nuts and seeds also fish. You mention B12 levels which show 395 ng/L and serum folate is 13.0ng/L there is also a line that says serum ferritin which is 287.1 ug/L
I was given a blood test before I was prescribed with Amiodarone and the TSH level was 3 and after 2 months was still 3. After the following 2 months it had gone to 5.49 but I was told by the practice nurse that was within normal so thought nothing of it. On the NHS blood report for my surgery it gives the parameters as 0.35 to 5.5
The reason I went to the GP 2 weeks ago was because my average blood pressure for the past few years has been 126/75 and almost overnight it was raised to 148/70 and my resting heart rate is about 52/55 and I was feeling sluggish and cold. He suggested further bloods which returned a TSH of 5.34 so again within normal levels for the surgery.
I arranged to have an advanced thyroid test at Superdrug who use Thriva for processing and it was their doctor who made the remarks above. Sadly there is no ways to discuss the report verbally. I haven't seen my own GP since I received this report and am unable to have an appointment with him until 22 August.
I notice on the Thriva report that the upper parameter is 4.2 . With regard the mismatch comment I haven't been unwell or ill (that I'm aware of). All my other blood test were within normal range. The only thing out of sync is my raised blood pressure - again it's never been an issue before. The only condition I have is Atrial Fibrilation but have been in Sinus Rhythm since January. The only meds I take are the Amio and Apixaban (anticoagulant). I take magnesium supplements and omega 3 supplements. I will look into
I have been trying to understand thyroid for the past few days and the symptoms which lead me to have the advanced test are I'm often cold and sluggishness and have a frog in my throat most mornings.
I'm so sorry to reply at such length and really appreciate anyone taking the time to read and reply
Being cold, having sluggishness and feeling of frog in the throat is very common hypo symptoms. Likely the low FT3.
Do you have range for folate, ferritin & B12?
Your TSH is just within range. The range in uk is arguably higher than in others countries. Elevated TSH under 10 is referred as sub clinical. 2 above range TSH - results 3 months apart & doctors should begin treatment.
1 result if TSH above 10 as this is overt hypothyroidism.
Below range FT4 or FT3 (the ones that are not tested) should also prompt hormones replacement.
If you have positive antibodies you can argue to begin treatment as TSH is approaching high and FT3 low.
Having positive TPO antibodies is evidence your thyroid is under autoimmune attack. The thyroid has been damaged and the the immune system is clearing up.
Antibodies diagnose the issue but not everyone will show antibodies and antibodies don’t always correlate to the progression of the condition & reduction in thyroid function.
I would recommebd monitoring your thyroid function quite closely to see if TSH rises or Frees (FT4 & FT3) drop.
It is quite unusual to see high FT4 & low FT3 (when not on replacement) as the body usually preserves FT3 levels at the expense of FT4. You may find the proportions alter over the coming months.
See link to list of companies & available discounts, Monitor my health offers thyroid function (TSH, FT4 & FT3) By DIY fingerprick sample via post.
Thank you again for your help with this. I'll attach a photo of my GP results if that's ok. I'm not sure about the protein as it doesn't say on the results. I hope you can read them ok, sorry to be a pain
The B12 is in lower half of range so isn’t deficient but could be improved optimal - it is said the be at least 50% or range. You might like to add a b - complex supplement which will keep all the b bits in balance.
The Folate - has been given a virtual unlimited upper limit so it’s difficult to know the mid point. A b-complex will help.
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but I believe the guidelines have been followed with regard blood tests.
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