test results

[Germany1924]

I’ve had test results back for thyroids TsH level 0.93 serum free T4 level 10.1 is this normal. I don’t think it is HELP. I’ve got a doctors appointment this afternoon. So need to throw questions at her. They’re also tried to put me on statins I’ve said no. Please help

[Jaydee1507 Administrator]

Can you add the reference range for the FT4? It does look on the low side.

For really know whats happening we need to see TSH, FT4 & FT3 which we can often really only get done privately.

Have you also recently had key vitmin levels tested?

What are you supplementing with?

When hypo we get low stomach acid which means we cannot absorb vitamins well from our food, regardless of a great diet. For thyroid hormone to work well we need OPTIMAL levels of vitamins. Have you recently or could you ask your GP to test levels of ferritin, folate, B12 & D3? Private tests are available, see link for companies offering private blood tests & discount codes, some offer a blood draw service at an extra cost. thyroiduk.org/testing/priva...

There is also a new company offering walk in& mail order blood tests in London, Kent, Sussex & Surrey areas. Check to see if there is a blood test company near you. onedaytests.com/products/ul...

Only do private tests on a Monday or Tuesday to avoid postal delays.

[Germany1924 in reply to Jaydee1507]

Thankyou

[pennyannie]

Hello Germany :

Since you haven't a thyroid it is essential that you are dosed and monitored on your Free T3 and Free T4 readings and not a TSH reading even with just a T4 reading - which looks too low given most T4 ranges.

What thyroid hormone replacement are you taking and the dose please ?

A fully functioning working thyroid would be supporting you on a daily basis with trace elements of T1. T2 and calcitonin + a measure of T3 at around 10 mcg + a measure of T4 at around 100 mcg.

T4 is a pro-hormone and needs to be converted in your body into T3 the active hormone that runs all your bodily functions from your physical ability through to your mental, emotional, psychological and spiritual well being, your inner central heating system and your metabolism and said to be around 4 times more powerful than T4.

No thyroid hormone replacement works well until the core strength vitamins and minerals - those of ferritin, folate, B12 and vitamin D are up -

and maintained at optimal levels -

so please ask for a full thyroid panel so we can actually help you better advocate for yourself.

We need to see your TSH, Free T3 + Free T4 - and inflammation, antibodies plus ferritin, folate, B12 and vitamin D results and ranges - and this is the first step back to better health.

Have you been discharged from endocrinology now - did your discharge letter state any T3 and T4 readings and ranges and is there any statement detailing that your TSH needs to be kept suppressed ?

If you are back in primary care and your doctor can't run these tests there are Private companies listed on the Thyroid UK website which is the charity that supports this forum - thyroiduk.org :

[Germany1924 in reply to pennyannie]

hi Pennyannie for response I am on 175 Levothyroxine. I am under hospital for 7 yrs. but these results off doctors I am constantly cold, half eyebrows tired all the time etc. I’ve had enough

[pennyannie in reply to Germany1924]

OK - I understand as I too haven't a thyroid and it all gets too much.

So maybe you are not able to convert the T4 into the active T3 hormone ?

Do you take the T4 on an empty stomach and wait around an hour to eat or drink anything other than water ?

In order to know more we need to see a Free T3 and Free T4 reading from the same blood draw :

We generally feel at our best when our T4 is in the top quadrant of its range as this should, in theory. give a T3 result at around 60-70% through its range :

When discharged from hospital did you receive letter stating where your TSH. T3 and T4 sat in the ranges - as I found this piece of information very useful when trying to get back to these levels of T3 and T4 - when so unwell - years later in primary care - and described as a conundrum.

[pennyannie in reply to pennyannie]

Some people can get by on T4 only :

Others find that T4 seems to stop working at some point in time - and find that by adding in a little T3 - likely at a similar dose to that their thyroid once supported them with - hormonal thyroid balance is restored as is their health and well being.

Others can't tolerate T4 at all and need to take T3 only - Liothyronine.

Whilst others find their health restored taking Natural Desiccated Thyroid which contains all the same known hormones as that of the thyroid gland and derived from pig thyroids, dried and ground down into tablets referred to as grains.

Currently your doctor can only prescribe T4 and anti depressants - as all other options need to be considered by a NHS endo and I'm afraid it seems that ICB/CCG financial constraints rather than medical need seem to be applied in pockets of the country and we are looking at a health and well being post code lottery .

Obviously if you an afford to go privately the landscape is somewhat different but first off we need more information in the form of a full thyroid panel in order to help you better.

First off - why not arrange a full thyroid panel to include the TSH, Free T3 and Free T4 + inflammation, antibodies and ferritin, folate, B12 and vitamin D :

I see SlowDragon has listed below all the details of how and what to to do so when with the results simply start a new question on this forum with the results and ranges and you will be talked through what it all means and your next best steps back to better health.

[greygoose]

If your cholesterol is high then your FT3 is probably low. And it is low T3 that causes symptoms. You need full thyroid testing as the others have said.

[Germany1924 in reply to greygoose]

Yes my cholesterol is a bit high cause doc wanted to put me on statins. But i was in a lot off pain with my joints. I suffer with this. I came of them a week later

[greygoose in reply to Germany1924]

Well, high cholesterol is not due to statin deficiency! It's a symptom, not a disease. And the cause is usually low T3. So, you'd be wise to stay off statins and get your FT3 tested. Doctors ought to know that, but there's no money in prescribing T3.

[Germany1924 in reply to greygoose]

I am vit d 800 unit and ferrous numerate 210mg . My white bloods are low. Had a bone marrow done. They don’t know why they are low to

[greygoose in reply to Germany1924]

I'm not sure that that is enough vit D to raise your level. But vit D is complicated and I'm no expert. I would suggest you write a new post asking just about your vit d and ferritin, because there are people on here who know better than me.

Did they also tell you to take the vit D cofactors: vit K2-MK7 and magnesium? Taking vit D without them won't do much for you.

As to why they're low... because you're hypo!!! Same reason as your cholesterol is high. Being hypo means that your body no-longer works correctly and just about everything goes wrong. Your stomach acid level drops and you have difficulty digesting food and therefore difficulty absorbing nutrients. And doctors should know that! I just don't know what is happening to the medical profession, they don't seem to know anything these days.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 tested

Very important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 at least once year minimum

Low vitamin levels are extremely common on levothyroxine

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

Post all about what time of day to test

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

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...

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...

Only do private testing early Monday or Tuesday morning.

Link about thyroid blood tests

thyroiduk.org/testing/thyro...

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