Help with my results

[Ragdoll1]

Please can anyone help read my results?Serum Free T4 is 7.7 pmol/l

Se Thyroid Peroxidase Ab is >999 iu/ml

Serum TSH is 3.3 down from 4.5 miu/l

The >999 sounds extreme but I can't see the Dr for another 3 weeks.

Thanks in advance

[Jazzw]

Hi Ragdoll1. Do you have the laboratory reference ranges for those results?

[Ragdoll1 in reply to Jazzw]

T4 range is 7.9 to 14.4Thyroid peroxidase is 0 to 8.9

Serum TSH is 0.38 to 5.33

[SlowDragon Administrator]

welcome to the forum

your very high thyroid antibodies confirms autoimmune thyroid disease also called Hashimoto’s

Ft4 is BELOW range

Was this test done early morning?

This gives highest TSH

You need further testing

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

Also both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested at least once to see if your hypothyroidism is autoimmune

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

Low vitamin levels tend to lower TSH

Can see from your other posts you have very low ferritin …..common when hypothyroid

When were vitamin levels last tested

What vitamin supplements are you taking

GP needs to test for coeliac disease at diagnosis of autoimmune thyroid disease

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

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.

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

[healthkiwi]

Are you actually on any thyroid medications? Not clear from your profile. (It's helpful for members to put a bit of your thyroid / health info in your profile, so we don't repeat stupid questions.)

TSH is a pituitary signalling hormone, not actually a thyroid hormone. It's the pituitary telling your body what thyroid hormone it needs. Your TSH level would likely mean no GP would want to initiate treatment BUT it's too high if you're already on thyroid meds (should be below 2, preferably closer to 1 once on medication).

Then your below-range T4 shows that you're not getting enough thyroid hormone, despite the TSH sending a 'need more T4' signal. (You really need a T3 reading too, as that's the active thyroid hormone which does all the work in your body.) And the peroxidase shows you have an autoimmune thyroid problem.

If you're NOT already on medication such as Levothyroxine, it's a possibility your GP may not be sure what to do. Your in-range TSH but below range T4 can point to less common thyroid problems, which may need guidance from endocrinologist. If you ARE already on medication, then your results indicate you need a dose increase.

My suggestion: before you see your GP, get a private blood test for TSH T4 AND T3. Lots of advice here on where/how to get, discounts, etc. Always test before 9.00a.m. , no breakfast or any tea or coffee - water only until test taken. (Personally I get Monitor my Health lab tests as it is an NHS lab, so your GP can't easily dismiss it).

Also, I assume you have low thyroid related symptoms. Make a list, and tell GP how your life is affected - e.g. mind foggy, affecting performance at work; so tired can't walk the dog or can't go to gym; face hands legs swelling; joints ache all over, cold all time. Lots of possibilities- look them up.

Then, before your appointment, post your full test results here, and ask again for advice. Armed with a clearer understanding you might then be able to get best help from your GP.

[Ragdoll1 in reply to healthkiwi]

Thank you, this site is such a mine of knowledge. I'm not on any thyroid meds at all and yes I don't feel great, with all the 'usual' symptoms. I shall look at the private blood test route too. Oh and update my profile.