high TSH and high T4

[ShatteredofLee]

hi, I’d be grateful for your thoughts on this one.

I’ve recently had two blood tests, one on 11th April with a TSH of 8 (abnormal) but T4 of 22 (so still just normal but top of the range). Then another blood test 28th June also with higher TSH of 11 and T4 high but normal at 21. I’ve had Hashimotos for 23 years and had a partial thyroidectomy 23 years ago so I’m pretty sure I have very little natural thyroid function left so am reliant on what I take. Four years ago after a similar test result I was given a successful trial of T4 and T3 and got a private prescription. Despite perfect blood results my surgery at the time refused to give me t3 on the NHS. When the cost of living crisis hit Ive basically been stretching my T3 dose out due to costs. Question - does this latest test indicate I’m not taking enough t3? Would there be any other reasons for a high t4 and higher TSH? The gps called me in for a chat and I’m tired, just tired of struggling to get t3 from nhs. I’m scared he’ll look at those results and reduce my t4 or berate me (as has happened in the past for not ‘taking it correctly’ (I honestly do), any thoughts gratefully received

[Bertwills]

I’m guessing here that you really don’t convert T4 much at all. You really need a T3 test to see what level you are achieving from such a high T4 level. Can you persuade the GP to do one? Do you have an older test that shows your conversion rate? You do really need to reduce the T4 as such a high level can be harmful over time.

The GP doesn’t decide about prescribing you T3 on the NHS. It has to be an endochronologist. thyroid UK has a list of T3 friendly endos. You can request a referral to one of these from your GP. Some will do online consultations. The GP then has to follow the endo’s recommendations, in theory anyway.

Can you do a Medichecks or similar blood test? Post another question if you’re unsure of the private testing options.

You must be feeling pretty awful & you really need the T3.

[Ela_peraj in reply to Bertwills]

Can you please add the link here so I can see the list of the endos from here please. Thank you 😊

[Bertwills in reply to Ela_peraj]

I don’t have a list of recommended endocrinologists. There is one that you can request from the Thyroid UK office. Check the thyroid UK website for more information & you should find it or post another question asking about the list & how to find it. Hopefully you’ll find a doctor to help.

If you can afford it you could have a phone consultation with Roseway pharmacy who can prescribe T3. Details available on Thyroid UK website or Roseways own.

[Ela_peraj in reply to Bertwills]

Thank you 😊