TSH result test

[Stills]

Got this in the NHS app. Test taken 1050 yesterday after fasting and no medication or supplements. I’m 62, female, 5’1 and 8 stone 8 and been in HRT for 10 years at least. I have a long term rheumatoid condition if autoimmune type . Is this ok?

[Sleepman]

Hey. Take it you are not diagnosed with thyroid condition.

TSH 2.2 likely to be viewed as normal.

In exceptional case it could still be a thyroid issue.

Do you take steroid (pred) it seems this lowers TSH reading - so might distort your readings.

Private blood tests for ~£30 at home that you post off - can look for T3 and T4 levels as well as TSH. If these are low this would highlight thyroid issue. For I think it is £40 you can get antibodies tested as well as most with low thyroid are autoimmune type.

thyroiduk.org/testing/thyro...

I felt cold with low thyroid problems, my temperature under tongue first thing was below 36.0 C and now above 36.5 C after treatment.

[Stills in reply to Sleepman]

Not diagnosed but since Feb 23 following emotional trauma have had classic symptoms. Also a blood test warning of cancer but after several procedure not found thankfully although it had muddied the waters as 23/4 was focused on that issue. I have a chronic AI RD condition which also muddies the waters as joint pain, fever, rashes and afternoon crashes are usual however I am not on steroids having finished treatment in my early 20s.

I realised the only way forward is private testing, private or self medication and optimal vitamins as soon as I joined this site.

My career ended during covid and I’m living off savings. My husband doesn’t subscribe to illness of any sort so no support expect there.

I’m resolved to living with whatever this is until it either goes away, gets worse or causes undeniable symptoms no body can ignore. Thanks for your reply.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

just replied on your previous post

Recommend you get FULL thyroid and vitamin testing

Christmas gift to yourself

Are you currently on any steroids or PPI like Omeprazole

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

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.

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

NHS only tests TG antibodies if TPO are high

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

As you have a goitre request ultrasound scan via GP

as vegetarian it’s important to include testing vitamin levels

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...

Medichecks and BH also offer private blood draw at clinic near you, or private nurse to your own home…..for an extra fee

Only do private testing early Monday or Tuesday morning.

Tips on how to do DIY finger prick test

support.medichecks.com/hc/e...

[Stills in reply to SlowDragon]

One last question then I’ll stop bothering you, is my result low or high in the range?

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Stills]

TSH is “normal” as is within range

But TSH test on its own is completely inadequate

Like thousands of Uk patients you will need further testing to make any progress

[Stills in reply to SlowDragon]

Understood thank you, I’ll be back with a post when I move forward

[Stills]

thank you great advice as always. If I just choose to supplement as advised here D & B would that help me?

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Stills]

Test vitamin levels FIRST before starting any supplements

A) if seriously deficient GP should prescribe

B) you might not need