New thyroid results to add to my previous ones

[KatyMac68]

It was taken at 7:55 am and I hadn't eaten or drank

Serum TSH level 5.61 mIU/L [0.27 - 4.2]; Above high reference limit

Serum free T4 level 14.5 pmol/L [12.0 - 22.0]

Previous results are

Sept 22

Serum TSH level 4.10 mIU/L [0.27 - 4.2]

Serum free T4 level 12.3 pmol/L [12.0 - 22.0]

Nov 21

Serum TSH level 7.00 mIU/L [0.27 - 4.2]; Above high reference limit

Serum free T4 level 14.6 pmol/L [12.0 - 22.0]

Jun 21

Serum TSH level 2.20 miu/L [0.27 - 4.2]

Serum free T4 level 12.1 pmol/L [12.0 - 22.0]

Nov 18 (after surgery to remove my ovaries)

Serum TSH level 2.87 miu/L [0.27 - 4.2]

Serum free T4 level 15.0 pmol/L [12.0 - 22.0]

Feb 18

Serum TSH level 3.18 miu/L [0.27 - 4.2]

Serum free T4 level 14.9 pmol/L [12.0 - 22.0]

I've also had dodgy testosterone results but I don't know it that's connected

[SlowDragon Administrator]

with two NHS tests with TSH over 5 AND hypothyroid symptoms you should be given trial of levothyroxine

Starting levothyroxine - flow chart

gps.northcentrallondonccg.n...

Standard STARTER dose levothyroxine is 50mcg

Retest again in another 8 weeks

Likely ready for next increase in dose then

Bloods should be retested 6-8 weeks after each dose change or brand change in levothyroxine

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

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

Testing options and includes money off codes for private testing

thyroiduk.org/testing/

Medichecks Thyroid plus both 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/testing/thyro...

Link about Hashimoto’s

thyroiduk.org/hypothyroid-b...

Symptoms of hypothyroidism

thyroiduk.org/signs-and-sym...

Tips on how to do DIY finger prick test

See detailed reply by SeasideSusie

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

[KatyMac68 in reply to SlowDragon]

The receptionist has told me that the GP has suggested I retest in 3 months, I've suggested I need an appointment to talk about it

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to KatyMac68]

Agreed

You have had symptoms a long time and two over range TSH results

List of thyroid specialists and NHS and private endocrinologists

Choosing an endocrinologist who’s both private and NHS

See privately initially and then transfer

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

[KatyMac68]

Thanks SlowDragon

I'm so tired and so not in the mood for a fight - they want to stop my testosterone too

I'll see what I can find in Suffolk or Norfolk

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to KatyMac68]

TaraJR may pop along or private message you

healthunlocked.com/user/TaraJR

[KatyMac68]

Thanks

I know my B12 and D will be within range (well pretty high I guess esp B12!) And I supplement with methyl folate and take iron so they shouldn't be too bad

I was upset earlier as getting a gp to change a diagnosis is shitty; I can't have thyroid problems as my tiredness and pain is due to fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, hypermobility, ibs and crap like that (sorry)

[KatyMac68]

GP refuses point blank to do anything until another 3 months has passed as my thyroid could have been fine all the time in between tests

[KatyMac68]

OMG they arr going to trial 3 months of thyroxine!

I am in total shock

I pick it up from the pharmacy this afternoon

This is what they write after my last appt "History: complex. in pain since 96, never been listen to. her bloods test esp TFT, asking why no to start on levothyroxine if she has clinical signs. said aged 55 but feels like 70 and always in pain. felt dismissed by her previous GP and now with BL as well. She wants to start treatment despite trying to explain why only on borderline raised TSH in her previous bloods was not started on and said another raised result in TSH should be enough to start treatment and not to repeat in 8-12 weeks. She is very distress on this issue. will discuss with SD"

[TiggerMe Ambassador in reply to KatyMac68]

Brilliant news 🤗

[KatyMac68]

I think I'm in shock