Tsh low: I've had my annual tsh blood tested with... - Thyroid UK

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Tsh low

292426 profile image
8 Replies

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?

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8 Replies
Jaydee1507 profile image
Jaydee1507Administrator

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.

292426 profile image
292426 in reply to Jaydee1507

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.

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply to 292426

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

292426 profile image
292426 in reply to SlowDragon

Thank you. 🌸

Jaydee1507 profile image
Jaydee1507Administrator in reply to 292426

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.

292426 profile image
292426 in reply to Jaydee1507

Thank you. 🌼

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator

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...

292426 profile image
292426 in reply to SlowDragon

I'm currently taking Thorne Basic B.

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