GP thyroid blood test

[Mandica]

I’d really appreciate any advice from any of you lovely people regarding my son’s blood test … he asked for full thyroid blood test to include T3 as thyroid problems run within our family.he has not been diagnosed - and I hope he never does … however it’s getting very difficult for him to get thyroid tested from his GP so he has complained … this is his GP response ..

There are in very rare occasions that you can have a normal TSH but low T4, this can indicate possible pituitary problems.   In your records it has been documented that you  are experiencing fatigue and exhausted and that you have had a private blood test carried out showing very low T4 results.  It is for this reason that Dr has recommended that you attend an appointment to be reviewed.  The practice cannot just request a T4 test without suspecting a pituitary problem.  

If you are in agreement regarding being seen face-to-face please contact reception and you will be given an appointment to see a GP. It would also be helpful if you could bring your results that you had done privately as this will aid us to request further tests from labs without it being rejected.

I hope that the answer above helps your understanding around thyroid testing, however if you are unhappy with the response provided by the Practice please do not hesitate to contact me to discuss this further.

I’m unsure what his private TSH was

[TiggerMe Ambassador]

If they are offering some proper testing to include the pituitary gland that's great, be sure to get your son in for a pre 9am appointment if the GP plans to test there and then... or if testing on another day say he just isn't available later in the day and hold out for an early blood test

[Mandica in reply to TiggerMe]

Hi thank you for your response - I’ll pass on that information to my son..

[greygoose]

Just for your information, they always claim that pituitary problems are rare, but if they came and read the posts on this forum, they would realise it's not as rare as all that! Not as common as primary hypo, but by no means rare.

[Mandica in reply to greygoose]

Thanks Greygoose - I really wish they would take a look at forums like this.. unfortunately they do not -this surgery took me off NDT and when I argued with them about the decision they told me to go find another GP surgery… I’ve told my son to find another GP practice.

[greygoose in reply to Mandica]

Were they paying for the NDT?

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Essential to test BOTH TPO and TG thyroid antibodies as well

Has he done this ?

With autoimmune thyroid disease in the family this is especially important

if vitamin levels are low this also tends to lower TSH, especially low ferritin

Has he had vitamin D, folate, B12 and full iron panel test including ferritin

What’s his diet like

[Mandica in reply to SlowDragon]

Thanks for your reply SlowDragon .. I’m not sure what he has had tested but I’ll be sure to pass this information to him. He does take multi vitamins plus vit D because he is poorly quite often starting with a throat infection. He has a good diet - lots of protein as he enjoys the gym and keeping fit.. thanks again

[BB001]

Remember not to take biotin for at least 5 days before the test. It will artificially suppress TSH and raise fT4.

[Mandica in reply to BB001]

good pint - thank you for this I’ll let him know.

[serenfach]

Multivits are not a good idea - the iron in them locks all the other stuff away, so you are simply flushing money down the loo! Try and get him to have a full thyroid test and full vitamin panel - lots of on line tests, lots of info here on best and prices.

He can then address any shortfalls before he finally gets an appointment. GPs are not interested in vitamins. Thyroid problems cause gut absorption problems so no matter how good a diet, he could be lacking in something. Also check he does not take any iodine or soy products for the gym - both mess up the thyroid.

[RedApple in reply to serenfach]

'Multivits are not a good idea - the iron in them locks all the other stuff away'

It is possible to get multi-vits withtout iron, but they're not the usual high street brands, probably not cheap and may not have the best types of each vitamin. e.g. some contain iodine (which we may not want) or have folic acid instead of methyl-folate.

[Mandica in reply to RedApple]

Thanks RedApple - I’m not sure what multi vitamins he is on … but will pass all the info on to him - he should just make an account with health unlocked lol …

Thank you again to all the lovely people who have given really helpful advice. 😊

[Mandica in reply to serenfach]

Thanks for your reply serenfach I’ll pass on the info to him..