TSH/T4 Ranges - Change?

[FifiJules]

Hi there, my friend has a TSH which is 32.9 and T4 is 5,2 and has been told this is normal by the GP practice. I don't see how they can even attempt to state this. I just wondered if the ranges had been changed, as my friend's results do not show this information? We live in South Cumbria. Thank you.

[helvella Administrator]

Ranges (reference intervals) do change. There is a steady stream of changes across the UK.

But they change by lab.

Look for the Pathology Handbook for your area.

TSH is possibly the most consistent - always somewhere in the region of 0.4 to 4.0 - or not that far away.

Free 4 varies quite a bit but I don't recall any as low as 5.2 (nor as high as 32.9 - in case the results have been switched) assuming standard units have been used.

[helvella Administrator in reply to helvella]

Just tried to find the handbook - and failed.

It is likely to depend on which area you are in:

Central Lancashire

Fylde Coast

Morecambe Bay

Pennine Lancashire

West Lancashire

Either ring up, get through to pathology and ask.

Or, as  waveylines says, get the results printed out - and check the reference intervals have been included.

If they are the real results, this person appears severely hypothyroid and in need of urgent attention.

[waveylines]

I think she should ask reception for a copy of the results.... With the ranges - usually the figures in brackets The ranges do vary a bit from lab to lab. According to the ranges in my area those results would be way out and should've prompted contact from the GP.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Never accept verbal results

Always get printed copies

TSH over 4-5 is too high/hypo

Ft4 looks extremely low

Is she currently diagnosed as hypothyroid

If she is she needs dose increase in levothyroxine

If she isn’t she needs starting on levothyroxine

Standard starter dose of levothyroxine is 50mcg (or 25mcg if over 65 years old)

Bloods retested in 6-8 weeks

Likely to need several further increases in levothyroxine over coming months

Dose is increased in 25mcg steps until TSH around 1 and Ft4 and Ft3 at least 50-60% through range

For full Thyroid evaluation she need TSH, FT4 and FT3 tested

Also both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested at least once

Very important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 at least once year minimum

Recommended that all thyroid blood tests early morning, ideally just before 9am, only drink water between waking and test 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...

Only do private testing early Monday or Tuesday morning.

Link about thyroid blood tests

thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...

Link about Hashimoto’s

thyroiduk.org/hypothyroid-b...

Symptoms of hypothyroidism

thyroiduk.org/wp-content/up...

Tips on how to do DIY finger prick test

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

Medichecks and BH also offer private blood draw at clinic near you, or private nurse to your own home…..for an extra fee

[RedApple Administrator]

FifiJules, Please suggest to your friend that s/he personally joins our forum if at all possible. It's usually much easier for members to discuss with a person directly than going through a friend.

[pennyannie]

Hello again :

Is this the same friend who has been taken off the NDT and trialled on a T3/T4 combo ?

[FifiJules in reply to pennyannie]

No, it's another. Thank you.

[pennyannie in reply to FifiJules]

Ok then - It really is better that your friends post for themselves as it can get very confusing going through third party.