Hi, I’ve had two thyroid tests with my GP and one private one with Yorktest. The GP says my levels are in the normal range, the Yorktest says otherwise and that I have a low thyroid.
Please could someone shed some light?
1st test
Serum TSH 3.48 mu/l reference (0.35-4.94)
Serum t4 11.8 pmol/l reference (9.0-19.0)
2nd test
Serum TSH 3.33 mu/l reference(0.35-4.94)
Serum T4 11.2 pmol/l reference (9.0-19.0)
York test
Tsh 4.30 mu/l reference (0.27-4.2)
Ft4 14.2 pmol/l (12.0-22.0)
female aged 35
many thanks
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Itiscalledacob
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Are you already diagnosed with a thyroid health issue and taking any form of thyroid hormone replacement medication ?
Both sets of NHS blood tests are within the ranges so perceived as ' normal ' :
The York test has different ranges - hence your TSH slightly out of the range :
Jusr goes to show the stupidity within the system.
I believe the NHS generally, do not start treatment for hypothyroidism until your TSH rises above 10 on 2 consecutive blood tests, months apart, though it's common knowledge symptoms of this insideous disease can start when the TSH tips over 2/3 :
Were antibodies run as if these were o/range it may help get a diagnosis ?
T4 is converted in the body into T3 which is the most important reading - as this is the active hormone running all your bodily functions. from your physical through to your mental, psychological, emotional and spiritual well being, your inner central heating system and your metabolism.
Pity you didn't run a Free T3 alongside this ' private York blood test ' as we really need to see the TSH and Free T4 in relation to the Free T3 that is circulating in the blood at the same time.
Hi, thank you. No I am not on any medication or diagnosed with a thyroid condition. I’ve checked my NHS app, there no t3 results to be seen anywhere. But thank you for your reply
There is a check list of symptoms on Thyroid UK - thyroiduk.org which is the charity which supports this forum - it might help to identify things for you :
No - routinely the NHS does not test T3 - we need to go privately for full thyroid evaluation - which I thought was this York 3rd blood test result :
Your T4 is low in the range so it likely means your T3 is too low in its range for you to function well and why you are looking for advise.
Are you seeking a new diagnosis of hypothyroidism or currently on replacement?
They show that the TSH is rising / the 3rd test shows it over range.
Do you remember the time the blood samples were taken?
The TSH is highest early in morning just before 09.00. Whereas it drops throughout day which can account for the variation. Fasting overnight can also help as eating can slight raise TSH.
Your FT4 is low in range. FT3 has not been tested this is the active hormone and if low causes most severe symptoms.
It might be a good idea to test thyroid antibodies TPO & TG antibodies. This will show if you have an autoimmune issue and if positive you can argue to start replacement before level show under range. Usually 2 above range TSH 3 months apart should prompt treatment, but some doctors are under the assumption that unless TSH is very high eg 10 & hypothyroidism is overt then treatment doesn’t need to be considered.
Also important to test Folate,ferritin, B12 & vitamin D.
Many use private testing companies & a fingerprick kit at home postal results to gain a complete picture. Medicheck thyroid advanced might be good option.
Those are all too low. Im not knowledgeable about iron results but you look to be iron deficient? Is Transferrin right? 11 is very above range. Has dr investigated further? Has haemoglobin been tested? Has doctor given treatment?
Oh no that’s me an my fat fingers. Transferrin 3.3gl - (2.0-3.2). I’ve picked up on the iron deficiency and have been taking a supplement whilst I wait 3 weeks for them to have a phone call with me. I don’t mind I appreciate they are busy but it doesn’t inspire confidence . At least I have the confidence now to say these results are low it needs to be taken seriously. Yes he has tested haemoglobin. I’ve checked the symptoms list and there is a load I can relate to, but I also suffer headaches/migraines/brain fog - the biggest one for me the absolute inability to lose any weight. Thank you for your help.
With serum B12 result below 500, (Or active B12 below 70) recommended to be taking a separate B12 supplement and a week later add a separate vitamin B Complex
Then once your serum B12 is over 500 (or Active B12 level has reached 70), you may be able to reduce then stop the B12 and just carry on with the B Complex.
If Vegetarian or vegan likely to need ongoing separate B12 few times a week
Igennus B complex popular option too. Nice small tablets. Most people only find they need one per day. But a few people find it’s not high enough dose
IMPORTANT......If you are taking vitamin B complex, or any supplements containing biotin, remember to stop these 7 days before ALL BLOOD TESTS , as biotin can falsely affect test results
In week before blood test, when you stop vitamin B complex, you might want to consider taking a separate folate supplement (eg Jarrow methyl folate 400mcg) and continue separate B12 until over 500
Post discussing how biotin can affect test results
Should be remembered that nhs uk normal blood ranges are wider than pretty much all other countries. So, borderline as ‘normal’ in uk would be considered way out of normal range elsewhere and treated …nothing we can do about that though.
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