ESR blood test

[Thirtyone]

just wondering whether anyone knows if Thyroxine affects ESR blood test results. Having taken higher dose of thyroxine for a few weeks now my TSH has reduced considerably from 4.62 to 1.6 but an ESR blood test was done at the same time and is now above the reference range and registered at 24. My previous ESR test was only 4. Any help appreciated. Thank you

[PurpleNails Administrator]

ESR tests for inflammation, but it does tell you where the inflammation is of what would be causing it (non specific test).

Do you know of you have autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto’s) as the cause of your hypothyroidism? This is diagnosed by positive TPO & TG antibodies. High ESR can be seen with many autoimmune conditions, including Hashimoto’s.

Thyroxine should not affect inflammation or skew ESR testing process in any way.