T4 not routinely tested

[RuthNelson]

Hi,

I am arranging post-hemithyroidectomy blood tests with the GP, and have been told that the lab will only test T4 if TSH reading indicates that it is necessary; wanted to check whether this means that they might miss something. I already know that I have Hashimotos.

Thanks for any insight.

[TiggerMe Ambassador]

Even if it triggers the test for fT4 it still won't give you a fT3 reading which is essential for correct treatment 🙄 I'd grab yourself a Monitor My Health kit

[RuthNelson in reply to TiggerMe]

Thanks TiggerMe, they have said that they are going to routinely test FT3, just not FT4, which I thought was odd

[TiggerMe Ambassador in reply to RuthNelson]

😳 hopeless isn't it, always missing a piece of the puzzle 😕

So you'll only get a fT4 reading if TSH is above or more likely below range and they cut your dose regardless of the fT3 & 4 results 😟

[RuthNelson]

This is a test to work out whether I need to go on any medication; currently not on anything. Is there a situation whereby my TSH could be in range and my FT3 in range, but FT4 could indicate a problem?

[TiggerMe Ambassador in reply to RuthNelson]

Yes, if your TSH and fT3 are higher in range but fT4 low this would suggest your thyroid is struggling and putting all its efforts into producing enough fT3 and will put a strain on your adrenals

Your body really tries it's best to keep you going but it takes it's toll in the end

[RuthNelson in reply to TiggerMe]

Ok thank you, will try asking again.

[TiggerMe Ambassador in reply to RuthNelson]

As a rough guide.... Euthyroid results would be a TSH 2 or below and a fT4 slightly higher than fT3, with both above 50% of range

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Previous post shows low vitamin levels too

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

ESSENTIAL to test folate, B12 and ferritin at next test and at least annually

Test vitamin D twice year when supplementing

With Hashimoto’s it’s extremely common to need to supplement vitamin D, magnesium and Vitamin B complex continuously…..often initially B12 too

Possibly iron

Recommended that all thyroid blood tests early morning, ideally just before 9am, only drink water between waking and 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

Just TSH, Ft4 and Ft3 test - £32

monitormyhealth.org.uk/thyr...

10% off code here

thyroiduk.org/testing/priva...

Monitor My Health also now offer thyroid and vitamin testing, plus cholesterol and HBA1C for £65

(Doesn’t include thyroid antibodies)

monitormyhealth.org.uk/full...

10% off code here

thyroiduk.org/testing/priva...

[RuthNelson in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you, they have agreed to do all the vitamin tests you recommended previously, so that is one good thing!