Thyroid Results

[Lolaknit]

Hi

I have just had a recent Serum TSH Level Test

The Serum TSH Level looks very low to me

Can anyone give me any advice on this.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Just testing TSH is completely inadequate

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 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

[Lolaknit in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank You for the information

[Eleanortoo in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you Slow Dragon. I too have had a low range TSH result. I am constantly (long term) lacking in energy and very tired, although this is currently complicated by a recent knee replacement and fibromyalgia. I was wondering if my T3 might be too low, so I will get a private test and see what it reveals

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Eleanortoo]

Ensure you test correctly, 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)

always same brand Levo

Essential to test vitamin levels too

What supplements are you taking

Anaesthetic can significantly reduce B12

[Eleanortoo in reply to SlowDragon]

Thanks for the advice.

[healthkiwi in reply to Eleanortoo]

shaws just posted a link to the original paper by Dr John Lowe, google.com/search?client=fi... I personally had never read. Interesting also to read the idea of 'flooding' cells with one big dose of T3. So much to learn - no wonder most doctors struggle to keep informed.

[shaws Administrator in reply to healthkiwi]

Dr L was a scientist/researcher. He became interested when very young as several relatives took their own lives.

He then began to research what could cause someone to do so.

He was a very sympathetic doctor who did his best to restore persons health.

He died due to a bleed on his brain after a fall. He is missed by many.

I've taken my T3 once daily for some years now and it is not a high dose. My GP has been very good too as he increased it slightly to 30mcg.

Dr Lowe's method has worked for me and did for many people.

p.s. I take T3 once daily when I awake with one glass of water. I am 'symptom-free'.

p.s. we don't have to take a high dose.

[Ruby1]

I am on Levothyroxine and mine is often flagged below range. If you are feeling well, I wouldn’t worry.

[Lolaknit in reply to Ruby1]

Thank You

[healthkiwi]

If you're not having any low or high thyroid symptoms, or you are on appropriate thyroid medication, then your TSH reading is indeed "normal". Most healthy people without any thyroid problems will have a TSH at the lower end of the range shown, and not usually over 2 . But TSH is not a thyroid hormone, it's a pituitary hormone signal telling the body how much T3 to make (by converting T4 into T3). It's a useful 1st line indicator of whether there are any problems with the thyroid. But it's not the only measure, and for some people it's not even reliable as a 1st step.

Even if the TSH was too low or too high, you can't DO anything directly to alter TSH. You have to treat the underlying thyroid condition by altering T4 / T3, by appropriate medication.

Only T4 and T3 readings can confirm how your thyroid is functioning, together with symptoms, e.g. body temperature, heart rate. There are LOTS of thyroid related symptoms because thyroid hormone is crucial to your whole body, affects many functions.

If you have hypothyroid or hyperthyroid symptoms, you will see on this site that many of us get a private test (can usually get for under £30). And we don't rely on a test result saying "within normal range" when it comes to T3 and T4. "Normal" doesn't mean "feeling well" with T3 & T4.

What people on this forum are really good at is helping you identify "Optimal" for you. (Which can lead to some discussions with your doctors 🤔).

So if you've had any other blood tests of T3 or T4, or if you're worried about any symptoms or being unwell despite being on thyroid medication, tell people here.

Meanwhile don't worry about that TSH reading.