Thyroid test when unwell

[Green1957]

I have an annual GP thyroid test tomorrow and am feeling unwell. Feel sick and wiped out and sinus infection. Will this affect my results? It's just the normal GP test. Thanks

[Espeegee]

I probably shouldn't laugh but I had a chuckle at "just the normal GP test" which pretty much means they won't test anything important and necessary so if you're not well will it matter? I can't answer your actual question so sorry about that.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

as they are unlikely to test more than TSH ……assuming you don’t have COVID? …..you could still go ahead

Or reschedule but make sure to book early appointment, ideally just before 9am, only drink water between waking and test and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test

[DippyDame]

I'd be inclined to postpone it if you feel unwell.

Your conversion could be affected, so the FT3 might be lower than normal ( it's already low!) That may push up your TSH which is what medics often ((wrongly) focus on

It might also avoid any stress due to having to travel to the surgery if you feel very unwell.

A normal GP test? Normal....Hmmmm!

Your previous test...

Triiodothyronine (FT3) 4.3 (3.1 - 6.8 pmol/L )

Free thyroxine (FT4) 21.7 (12.0 - 22.0 pmol/L)

Thyroidstimulating hormone (TSH) 0.313 (0.27 - 4.2 mIU/L )

These labs showed impaired T4 to T3 conversion ....high FT4 with low FT3

Make sure they test TSH, FT4 and FT3 the next time to double check this

If they look at your TSH alone they are likely to say results are OK....which they are not!

Essential that you optimise Vit D, Vit B12, folate and ferritin to support thyroid function

Vit D not tested...very possibly low!

Optimal nutrients...

Vit D: 100-150nmol/L

B12: top of range for Total B12, if Active B12 is tested then 100 plus

Folate: at least half way through range

Ferritin: half way through range although some experts say the optimal ferritin level for thyroid function is 90-110ug/L

If conversion rates remain low (with low FT3) after nutrients are optimal, and the "miseries" clear up you may need to see an endo to prescribe a little T3.

"A normal GP test" most likely means a TSH test which, after medication is started, is not a reliable marker.

[Sunflower535]

Have you tested for covid - I thought I had a sinus infection recently - but just tested in the off chance and turns out I had covid. Thankfully I didn't have any other symptoms, but worth checking.

[Green1957 in reply to Sunflower535]

Thanks I will

[Green1957]

Thanks I've decided to postpone, I'm working with a nutritionist specialising in hashimotos and am doing a complete test as soon as feel well again.