Low TSH

[Raycheebelle]

Background

I have a lifelong hereditary condition known as FAP. Because of this I have had several surgeries to remove my whole colon and rectum. In 2009 I had surgery to create what is called a J pouch, which is made from approximately the last 40cm of terminal ileum.

Current issues.

Recent blood tests, ordered by my colorectal surgeon/consultant, show l have low TSH (0.06) and normal T4. He has ordered testing for T3, presently in progress. I was advised to see my GP to seek advice, information and treatment as appropriate. My GP told me that my TSH was normal, also that anything above 0.02 was regarded as normal. Because of my insistence he reluctantly ordered repeat testing in 3 months.

Fortunately I have my consultant to fall back on, but really this new condition should be followed up by my GP. I have severe misgivings that my GP is giving me correct advice and information. Any suggestions on what I should do next would be helpful, thank you for your insight.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

What vitamin supplements are you taking

When were B12, folate, ferritin and vitamin D last tested

For full Thyroid evaluation 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 annually

About 90% of primary hypothyroidism is autoimmune thyroid disease, usually diagnosed by high TPO and/or high TG thyroid antibodies

Hashimoto’s frequently starts with transient hyperthyroid results before becoming increasingly hypothyroid

Autoimmune thyroid disease with goitre is Hashimoto’s

Autoimmune thyroid disease without goitre is Ord’s thyroiditis.

Both are autoimmune and generally called Hashimoto’s.

Significant minority of Hashimoto’s patients only have high TG antibodies (thyroglobulin)

20% of autoimmune thyroid patients never have high thyroid antibodies and ultrasound scan of thyroid can get diagnosis

In U.K. medics hardly ever refer to autoimmune thyroid disease as Hashimoto’s (or Ord’s thyroiditis)

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...

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

[Fluffypip]

Most GPS don't know anything about the thyroid and I usually just deal with my endocrinologist. Saying anything over 0.02 is normal is just ridiculous and wrong! They say anything over 0.2 is but ti be honest you can't tell much from tsh. Ft3 and ft4 are more useful. Sometimes people have low tsh and normal ft3 ft4 which is classed as subclinical hyperthyroidism. You can still have symptoms with it but it tends not to get treated.