Thyroid Free T4 : Hi guys,So following on from my... - Thyroid UK

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Thyroid Free T4

Totoro25 profile image
14 Replies

Hi guys,So following on from my previous posts I today received my blood results from my GP.

It's a very limited test as you will see.

TSH - 1.67

Free T4 - 17.3

In my previous post I touched on the fact that I still wasn't feeling right to my GP and they advised my results were perfect.

However from reading on here and receiving advice from you lovely people I know that ideally I should be around 1 or thereabouts.

I just wondered if my Free T4 revealed anything to you guys?

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Totoro25 profile image
Totoro25
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14 Replies
FallingInReverse profile image
FallingInReverse

We’ll need a range to comment : )

Totoro25 profile image
Totoro25 in reply toFallingInReverse

They didn't give me a range but I'm assuming it's the same at every surgery as in NHS guidance kinda thing?

I guess no one can advise then without it.

FallingInReverse profile image
FallingInReverse in reply toTotoro25

Free T4 ranges vary by lab. Sometimes 9-19 but sometimes 12-22, and there are others.

So without knowing, 17 could be 50% through range (typically not enough to feel better) or 80% through range ( often close to optimal for many of us).

That being says, yes, on Levo we typically see people feel better when TSH drops closer to 1.

I haven’t read your past posts, I’ll take a look.

Yuki9 profile image
Yuki9 in reply toFallingInReverse

Hello,

Sorry to jump in on your post - I’m new to this and awaiting confirmation of my diagnosis’s of Graves, Hashimotos and possibly also central hypothyroidism?!

I’ve had lots of useful and helpful responses on this site down which I’m very grateful for as I feel better prepared for my upcoming private endo appt in 2 wks.

My question is about your response on which you say 50% through range- I don’t understand what that means, could you explain it for me please?

TIA.

Totoro25 profile image
Totoro25 in reply toFallingInReverse

Hi again,

So have just got the surgery and they told me the range is as follows.

TSH is 55 - 4.78

FT4 is 11.5 - 22.7

Hopefully that makes sense with my test results posted today.

DippyDame profile image
DippyDame in reply toTotoro25

Ranges vary depending on test machine/ calibration.Your GP doesn't appear to have the knowledge to evaluate thyroid function...not so unusual!

We need at least TSH, FT4 and FT3 to begin to see how your thyroid is functioning.

Many of us test privately to achieve this

thyroiduk.org/testing/priva...

What replacement hormone(s) are you currently taking (T4/T3) and what dose(s)

Just checked your labs of 3 months ago so..

Your FT3 is miserably low which can (partly) account for your symptoms

Have you optimised vit D, vit B12, folate and ferritin to support thyroid function/T4 to T3 conversion?

Your thyroid antibodies are high indicating thyroid autoimmune disease/Hashimoto's

A gluten free diet helps many.

Your thyroid levels will fluctuate as the thyroid deteriorates...dumping hormones in the blood so Frees can be temporarily high before dropping down again.

Your results are not "perfect"!

You need correct medication

With more info we can help....just post and ask!

Totoro25 profile image
Totoro25 in reply toDippyDame

Hi Dippy,

At the time of my last lab results from Horizon I was advised by this site that I only had to supplement my Vit D which I did straight away using a link (from Health Unlocked) to calculate the dose. So yes using Better Health Vit D with K12.

The only other thing mentioned here was my TSH level and that was it.

So are you saying that I now need to supplement with B12 and Ferritin too?

Sparklingsunshine profile image
Sparklingsunshine in reply toTotoro25

I have to agree with GG, how on earth can your doctor dismiss your symptoms, your blood tests may or may not be perfect, but we humans are complex creatures and are far more than just numbers on a screen.

Plus as they didnt test FT3 they have no way of knowing what the figure is. It could be in your boots for all they know. You only know part of the story.

greygoose profile image
greygoose

How can your doctor know that your results are perfect? Does he live in your head? It's nothing to do with numbers, it's how you feel.

Yes, you can get the numbers to euthyroid levels: FT4 around mid-range, FT3 slightly lower (but he hasn't even tested that, so that limits his knowledge of perfect, and TSH around 1. But, the problem is, hypos rarely function well on euthyroid levels. They usually need their FT4/3 up around 70/75% percent through the range, and therefore the TSH very low.

Tell him not to presume to know how you feel!

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator

Was test done early morning and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test

Do you always get same brand levothyroxine at each prescription

Private test results shows impaired conversion of Ft4 to Ft3

High thyroid antibodies confirms autoimmune thyroid disease

Have you had coeliac blood test

Totoro25 profile image
Totoro25 in reply toSlowDragon

Hi SD,Yes first thing and last dose 24hrs before as per HU guidance.

Yes always Mercury Pharma.

Okay so with regard to impaired conversion what do I need to do?

Dippy mentioned that I'd need B12 and Ferritin but as I recall when I first posted results from Horizon there was no mention of this and I seem to recall someone saying those looked fine.

But I'm here for advice so if I've misunderstood then crack on.

No I have not had a Coeliac Test.

In fact I'll have to look this up as have no idea what it is.

Kind regards

DippyDame profile image
DippyDame in reply toTotoro25

No, you misunderstood!

I didn't say you needed to add B12 and Ferritin

I asked if all your essential nutrients are currently optimal....as follows

Have you optimised vit D, vit B12, folate and ferritin to support thyroid function/T4 to T3 conversion?

What I did point out is that you need correct thyroid medication and right now your GP hasn't a clue how to do this.

S/he needs to look at your symptoms combined with TSH, FT4 and FT3.....for a start.

Instead, right now they appear to be diagnosing with a crystal ball

Full thyroid test first!

Totoro25 profile image
Totoro25 in reply toDippyDame

Thank you DD your advice is appreciated.

Totoro25 profile image
Totoro25

I forgot to mention that for the last 2-3 months I've been practically carnivore.Steak, eggs, milk, electrolytes, lots of water, salt with added minerals and my Vit D with K2.

I had my Horizon test done way before starting this though.

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