Opinions on blood test results TSH and FT4.

[Leenda]

Hi. I have been taking levothroxine, 125mg , for 20years .

In 2020 my results were TSH 0,77 µUI/mL and FT4 1,01 ng/dl.

In 2022 TSH 0,75 µUI/mL and FT4 1,06 ng/dl.

My blood results just came back and showed TSH 8.14 and FT4 0,97 ng/dl.

Does anyone know what exactly is the purpose of testing FT4 and what the results mean and would it be normal to have noticable symptoms with these results?

Thanks

[greygoose]

Hi Leenda, welcome to the forum.

I'm afraid we can't tell you anything about your FT4 without the range. These vary from lab to lab, so we need the range that came with your results.

It's necessary to test FT4 because that's what levo is: the thyroid hormone T4. Just testing TSH doesn't tell you anything much.

There is another, more important test: FT3. But they rarely do that.

[Leenda in reply to greygoose]

Hi greygoose thanks for replying.

Here is the FT4 range FT4 0,97 ng/dl.......... 0,70 - 1,48.

[greygoose in reply to Leenda]

So, your FT4 is only 34.62% through the range, which is very low. Which means that your FT3 will be even lower. And that's why your TSH is so high.

How long was the gap between your last dose of levo and the blood draw? What time of day was the blood draw?

[Leenda in reply to greygoose]

Last tablet would have been 24 or 22hrs before blood test which was just before 9am

A couple of weeks ago I forgot to take levothroid for 4days. There was a bank holiday i forgot chemist was closed then nxt day i forgot to go... would that have a big impact on these results?

[SlowDragon Administrator]

How do you feel

Any significant changes

Different brand of levothyroxine

Or started HRT or any other medications

Had Covid recently?

Just testing TSH and Ft4 is inadequate

Request new test including Ft3 and vitamin D, folate, B12 and ferritin

Is your hypothyroidism autoimmune?

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)

Testing options and includes money off codes for private testing

thyroiduk.org/testing/

Medichecks Thyroid plus BOTH TPO and TG antibodies and vitamins

medichecks.com/products/adv...

Blue Horizon Thyroid Premium Gold includes BOTH TPO and TG 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

support.medichecks.com/hc/e...

Medichecks and BH also offer private blood draw at clinic near you, or private nurse to your own home…..for an extra fee

[Leenda]

Hi SlowDragon thanks for the info.

These are the other results

HIERRO 105 ug/dL 50 - 170

FERRITINA 42 ng/mL 15 - 204

TRANSFERRINA 287 mg/dL 180 - 382

VITAMINA B12 544 pg/mL 190 - 750

FOLATO / ACIDO FOLICO 7,10 ng/mL 3,10 - 20,50

VITAMINA D (25-OH) 20 *ng/mL insufficient

I have Hashimoto's . i don't live in the UK and all the blood tests are done at 8/8.30 in the morning after 12hour fast. I have had the antibody test and FT3 before but last few tests have only been FT4. I get a vitb 12 injection every month . I went to the Dr. because I am not feeling very good, tired and have low energy. Thanks again for info going to look at it now.