Repeated Thyroid Test

[Greyhound197]

Hi everyone, I first wrote 3 months ago with a query about my blood test results and I found your information incredibly useful. At the time one of your members suggested I probably have Hashimotos.

My doctor's response to the first result was to do nothing, repeat test in 3 months. Which is what I have done. I live in Spain and the test I am referring seems to measure TSH, TPO and TG. The results are pretty similar to the previous ones, higher TSH and TPO, but lower TG I think. You can see at the top the doctor or analyst has put SUBCLINICAL HYPERTHYROIDISM. I just wanted to check a couple of things before I speak to the doctor on Monday:

1) Is that right, subclinical hyperthyroidism? I had always assumed hypo but I don't really know much yet.

2) What should my next steps be, if any? I asked, as I had been recommended to, about testing vitamin levels/T4 and she told me that here they don't do that, go private if you want that.

My doctor is one of these that you have to be practically dead for her to prescribe or refer, so I am pretty sure I will have the Wait-and-See in 3 months let's test again conversation. I just wondered if I need to know or do anything else. I asked in the pharmacy for an at home vitamin test, and even they reckoned they didn't do one. So if you think the UK is not always well informed, I think here might be decades further behind...

Would appreciate your opinions.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

You need to test TSH, Ft4 and Ft3 together early morning, ideally before 9am, only drink water between waking and test

High thyroid antibodies confirms autoimmune thyroid disease

You need coeliac blood test BEFORE considering trial on strictly gluten free diet

Essential to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12

Maintain at optimal levels

[Greyhound197 in reply to SlowDragon]

Thanks, I forgot to say that I have been gluten free these last two months...I haven't done a test for that though. I will see how I get on on Monday then.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Greyhound197]

No point testing now

[crimple]

Greyhound197 TSH testing on its own is totally inadequate. SD is right you need T4 and T3 tested. No doubt your doc expects you to wait until your TSH is above 4.2. Have you written a list of your symptoms. TUK does have a list available on line which you can print off and then tick the boxes. Because you have autoimmune thyroid disease (raised antibodies) your symptoms are likely to fluctuate and everyone is different. Vitamin levels are very important to help your body use the thyroid hormones.

Your body has to convert T4, a storage hormone, into T3 the active hormone needed by every cell in the body. Some people do not convert well, I am one of those and after a while onT4 I needed some T3 added in order to feel well. Do hope you can get some private tests which will give a clearer picture.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

T3 (liothyronine) is illegal in Spain

So don’t mention that

Concentrate on getting levothyroxine (T4) prescribed

[grumpyold in reply to SlowDragon]

I didn't know this! I was considering retiring there, but that's definitely ruled out now.

Would you happen to know if it's illegal in Portugal too? 😞 It's just that my ageing bones feel so much better over the winter with some warmth and sunshine.

[Greyhound197 in reply to SlowDragon]

Wow, illegal...still as you say, somehow I need to sort out the T4. This test doesn't show that, so I suppose I need to ask for the TSH, T4 test?

[arTistapple]

I am, like you, intrigued by the description of subclinical hyperthyroidism, from the info you have provided. I will PM you with something.

[Greyhound197 in reply to arTistapple]

Thanks. As I said I asked about a vitamin test and she brushed me off completely, and from what I see online, there are really few centres here (private) that even do it. NHS equivalent don't even think about it! I am feeling quite unsure of my next steps to be honest.