I've had my annual tsh blood tested with my GP and it is low 0.36. T4 wasn't done.I'm due to speak to my GP tomorrow concerning this low reading and to ask for a T4 test. Have GPs stopped doing T4 blood tests? It seems mine has routinely stopped.
I will get a private test if he doesn't oblige.
Historically when my tsh has been low, my T4 has been high which makes sense.
However, if my tsh and T4 are low does this mean I have a pituitary problem?
What is the TSH range at that lab. They are different at each lab.
What time of day was the test? 9am is recommended or earlier for highest TSH.
As they haven't done FT4 this time its not so important but did you remember to space your last dose of levo 24hrs before the test and take that days Levo AFTER the test?
Many labs are dropping FT4 and often this is driven by the lab and not the GP even. It's really not good and you can request it again but no guarantee it will be done. If not then private testing is the way forward.
See link for companies offering private blood tests & discount codes, some offer a blood draw service at an extra cost. thyroiduk.org/help-and-supp...
There is also a new company offering walk in & mail order blood tests in London, Kent, Sussex & Surrey areas. Check to see if there is a blood test company near you. onedaytests.com/products/ul...
Only do private tests on a Monday or Tuesday to avoid postal delays.
Hi, the range was 0.27-4.2 and though I had every intention of delaying my dose til after the blood draw I'm not sure if I did. It was taken 4pm.
TSH has a distinct variation in levels through the day
TSH is highest early morning and lowest in afternoon
Refuse to reduce dose based just on TSH
Also you need to stop vitamin B complex 5-7 days before test as biotin can falsely affect test result
Request GP test Ft4 and Ft3 plus vitamin D, folate, B12 and ferritin
Thank you. 🌸
4pm is late for a thyroid blood test but GP's won't understand this. Even if you have to wait a week or so make sure to get a 9am or earlier appointment for a blood test.
The 4ppm blood draw will mean your TSH shows lower than it would have been at 9am.
Anyway, your TSH is still within range and you should refuse to change your dose if you feel well.
Thank you. 🌼
Refuse to reduce dose based just on low TSH
when were vitamin levels last tested
What vitamin supplements are you taking
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
Just TSH, Ft4 and Ft3 test - £32
monitormyhealth.org.uk/thyr...
10% off code here
thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...
Monitor My Health also now offer thyroid and vitamin testing, plus cholesterol and HBA1C for £65
(Doesn’t include thyroid antibodies)
monitormyhealth.org.uk/full...
10% off code here
thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...
I'm currently taking Thorne Basic B.
Low TSH
Low TSH
Low TSH & Low T4
Low tsh
Low TSH
