TSH blood test results : Hi lovely people.I have... - Thyroid UK

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TSH blood test results

Shaldon profile image
5 Replies

Hi lovely people.I have just had my annual thyroid test. I have checked my results and my TSH was 2.3. Unfortunately I can't compare previous years as they are no longer on my online health records due to a system overhaul!! I am currently taking 75mcg of thyroxine which because I am unable to tolerate mannitol I take a whole 50mcg and a half 50mcg tablet.

I am 49 years old so my hormones are probably all over the place although I take a very low dose of HRT to help keep things in balance. I have noticed that my hair is falling out and getting quite thin. My instincts are telling me that I should try and speak to a GP about these results. Fortunately, there is a very nice understanding GP at the practice which I know that I can do an e-consult to her in the first instance

Before I do that though, I just wanted to know if anyone had anything similar and /or any advice.

Thank you in advance

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Shaldon
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5 Replies
SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator

Just testing TSH is completely inadequate

But with TSH over 2 yes, if you have hypo symptoms you need dose increase in levothyroxine

When did you start HRT

Is it pills or patches

HRT frequently results in needing dose increase in levothyroxine

Approximately how much do you weigh in kilo

For full Thyroid evaluation you 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

Hairloss frequently linked to low iron/ferritin

Request GP do full iron panel test for anaemia including ferritin

is your hypothyroidism autoimmune

About 90% of primary hypothyroidism is autoimmune thyroid disease, usually diagnosed by high thyroid antibodies

Autoimmune thyroid disease with goitre is Hashimoto’s

Autoimmune thyroid disease without goitre is Ord’s thyroiditis.

Both are autoimmune and generally called Hashimoto’s.

Low vitamin levels are extremely common when hypothyroid, especially with autoimmune thyroid disease

20% of autoimmune thyroid patients never have high thyroid antibodies and ultrasound scan of thyroid can get diagnosis

In U.K. medics hardly ever refer to autoimmune thyroid disease as Hashimoto’s (or Ord’s thyroiditis)

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...

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

Shaldon profile image
Shaldon in reply toSlowDragon

Thank you for all the information. I will do an e-consult. Just out of interest do you know what the range should be when you're on Thyroxine?I will have to go through my prescription records (that is one thing that I can view historically) and find out when I started HRT. I currently take one pump of Oestrogel (minimum dose is 2) and then a Progesterone tablet (should be 2) in the latter half of my cycle. If I take the 'full' minimum dose, it's too much for me.

Not sure about my weight, just need to be brave enough to step on the scales!!

Thank you again for the reply.

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply toShaldon

TSH should be under 2 as an absolute maximum when on levothyroxine

gponline.com/endocrinology-...

Graph showing median TSH in healthy population is 1-1.5

web.archive.org/web/2004060...

Comprehensive list of references for needing LOW TSH on levothyroxine

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu....

onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi...

If symptoms of hypothyroidism persist despite normalisation of TSH, the dose of levothyroxine can be titrated further to place the TSH in the lower part of the reference range or even slightly below (i.e., TSH: 0.1–2.0 mU/L), but avoiding TSH < 0.1 mU/L. Use of alternate day dosing of different levothyroxine strengths may be needed to achieve this (e.g., 100 mcg for 4 days; 125 mcg for 3 days weekly).

Shaldon profile image
Shaldon in reply toSlowDragon

Thank you. The information will help in wording my e-consult.

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply toShaldon

Include links to research papers in your information

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