steroids and thyroid results

[Lfox1]

Hi could anybody tell me if steroids affect my TSH blood test results? Many thanks

[RedApple Administrator]

Lfox1, If you provide some more information, it will help members to reply. What steroids are you taking? Are you taking them by mouth, or some other way? What is the daily dose? And how long have you been taking them?

[Lfox1]

I have copd and take steroids prednisone on a regular basis. My tsh is normally low but now and again it’s >05 so get put on carbimazole which doesn’t agree with me n raises my tsh off the charts at one time 123 I think my low tsh results are down to my steroid intake?

[RedApple Administrator]

Carbimazole is usually prescribed if FT4 is over the top of it's range, along with TSH too far below range. Presumably you have been diagnosed with hypERthyroidism at some time? HypERthyroidism is typically caused by the thyroid gland over-producing thyroid hormones.

If the carbimazole is making your TSH rise too much, then your GP is prescribing too high a dose of carbimazole.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

yes prednisone can reduce TSH

How much do you typically take?

See paragraph on steroids and TSH here

jclinmedcasereports.com/art...

Never agree to treatment based just on TSH

ALWAYS test full Thyroid evaluation, so you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 tested

Also both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested at least once

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

Inappropriate use of Carbimazole will reduce vitamin levels

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

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...

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

[Lfox1 in reply to SlowDragon]

Hi I take a course of 6 a day for 7days and lately that’s on a monthly basis. Many thanks

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Lfox1]

So a substantial dose

Definitely get full thyroid and vitamin testing…..privately if necessary