optimal level : The thyroid results are normal... - Thyroid UK

Thyroid UK

143,093 members168,430 posts

optimal level

Mark2027 profile image
17 Replies

The thyroid results are normal (TSH 2.87 [ref. 0.38-5,33]; fT4 9.4 [ref. 7.9-14.4])

I have TPO and Thyroglobulin antibodies I don’t know my Thyroidglobin but TPO in 70s so indicated hashimoto.

He did treat for Hashimoto Encephalopathy last April with a short course of steroids but no joy.

Have Pernicious Anaemia, Vitiligo.

My main problem is my balance, occasional speech problems and inability to write.

Anyone else have similar?

Written by
Mark2027 profile image
Mark2027
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
17 Replies
Mark2027 profile image
Mark2027

I’m using my boyfriends account 58 year old woman.

helvella profile image
helvellaAdministrator in reply toMark2027

Mark2027,

Members trying to reply could get very confused!

I encourage you to consider joining in your own right in order to avoid that. And it would allow you to be called a name other than "Mark". :-)

I urge you to post on the Pernicious Anaemia Society forum as well. While we have lots of members in common, it often helps to discuss PA there.

healthunlocked.com/pasoc

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAmbassador

Are you currently on any replacement thyroid hormones?

Levothyroxine, which brand and dose

Just testing TSH and Ft4 is completely inadequate

Are you currently taking any vitamin supplements

If yes what exactly

Recommended that all thyroid blood tests early morning, ideally just before 9am, only drink water between waking and test and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before 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

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...

If you normally take levothyroxine at bedtime/in night ...adjust timings as follows prior to blood test

If testing Monday morning, delay Saturday evening dose levothyroxine until Sunday morning. Delay Sunday evening dose levothyroxine until after blood test on Monday morning. Take Monday evening dose levothyroxine as per normal

IMPORTANT......If you are taking vitamin B complex, or any supplements containing biotin, remember to stop these 5-7 days before ALL BLOOD TESTS , as biotin can falsely affect test results

endocrinenews.endocrine.org...

In week before blood test, when you stop vitamin B complex, you might want to consider taking a separate folate supplement (eg Jarrow methyl folate 400mcg) and continue separate B12 if last test result serum B12 was below 500 or active B12 (private test) under 70:

As you have Hashimoto’s you need coeliac blood test at diagnosis

Get GP to do so if not done yet as per NICE Guidelines

nice.org.uk/guidance/ng20/c...

Assuming test is negative you can immediately go on strictly gluten free diet 

(If test is positive you will need to remain on high gluten diet until endoscopy, maximum 6 weeks wait officially) 

Trying gluten free diet for 6 months. If no noticeable improvement then reintroduce gluten and see if symptoms get worse

chriskresser.com/the-gluten...

amymyersmd.com/2018/04/3-re...

thyroidpharmacist.com/artic...

drknews.com/changing-your-d...

Non Coeliac Gluten sensitivity (NCGS) and autoimmune disease

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/296...

The predominance of Hashimoto thyroiditis represents an interesting finding, since it has been indirectly confirmed by an Italian study, showing that autoimmune thyroid disease is a risk factor for the evolution towards NCGS in a group of patients with minimal duodenal inflammation. On these bases, an autoimmune stigma in NCGS is strongly supported

nuclmed.gr/wp/wp-content/up...

In summary, whereas it is not yet clear whether a gluten free diet can prevent autoimmune diseases, it is worth mentioning that HT patients with or without CD benefit from a diet low in gluten as far as the progression and the potential disease complications are concerned

restartmed.com/hashimotos-g...

Despite the fact that 5-10% of patients have Celiac disease, in my experience and in the experience of many other physicians, at least 80% + of patients with Hashimoto's who go gluten-free notice a reduction in their symptoms almost immediately.

Similarly few months later consider trying dairy free too. Approx 50-60% find dairy free beneficial

With loads of vegan dairy alternatives these days it’s not as difficult as in the past

Post discussing gluten

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

Recent research in China into food intolerances with Hashimoto’s

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

More interesting Chinese research on Hashimoto’s and leaky gut

nature.com/articles/s41598-...

Mark2027 profile image
Mark2027

I only inject B12 and am not celiac. I have also tested negative to gluten ataxia (tg6).

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAmbassador in reply toMark2027

So as you have Hashimoto’s it’s ALWAYS worth trying strictly gluten free diet …..ideally 6-12 months

Vitamin D, folate and ferritin need testing

once tested folate

As you have B12 injections it’s recommended also to supplement a good quality daily vitamin B complex, one with folate in (not folic acid) may be beneficial.

This can help keep all B vitamins in balance and may help maintain B12 levels between injections

How often are you getting B12 injections?

Difference between folate and folic acid

healthline.com/nutrition/fo...

Many Hashimoto’s patients have MTHFR gene variation and can have trouble processing folic acid supplements

thyroidpharmacist.com/artic...

B vitamins best taken after breakfast

Igennus B complex popular option. Nice small tablets. Most people only find they need one per day. But a few people find it’s not high enough dose and may need 2 per day and/or may need separate methyl folate couple times a week

Post discussing different B complex

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

Thorne Basic B recommended vitamin B complex that contains folate, but they are large capsules. (You can tip powder out if can’t swallow capsule) Thorne can be difficult to find at reasonable price, should be around £20-£25. iherb.com often have in stock. Or try ebay

IMPORTANT......If you are taking vitamin B complex, or any supplements containing biotin, remember to stop these 5-7 days before ALL BLOOD TESTS , as biotin can falsely affect test results

endocrinenews.endocrine.org...

In week before blood test, when you stop vitamin B complex, you might want to consider taking a separate folate supplement (eg Jarrow methyl folate 400mcg)

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAmbassador in reply toMark2027

Vitiligo often improves on gluten free diet too

glutenfreesociety.org/glute...

medicalnewstoday.com/articl...

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articl....

Worth trying

RedApple profile image
RedAppleAdministrator in reply toSlowDragon

'Vitiligo often improves on gluten free diet too'

No evidence of this, according to this Vitiligo site:

Can a Gluten-Free Diet Help Manage Vitiligo?

Research into the effects of a gluten-free diet on vitiligo has been inconclusive and incomplete. One case study was published, which showed that a gluten-free diet helped a woman partially reverse her vitiligo and achieve repigmentation of vitiligo lesions when other treatments did not work. However, this single case is the only published evidence supporting that claim. More research into the effects of a gluten-free diet on vitiligo is needed. Currently, there is no specific recommended diet for those with vitiligo.

Full article and video discussion here myvitiligoteam.com/resource...

---

[Edit] to add: Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease, so does occur in some people with autoimmune thyroid disease. Some of these people may visit this forum. I would not like these people to be misled into thinking that a GF diet will help both their thyroid symptoms and their vitiligo.

Here's another link cautioning against recommending a GF diet to people with Vitiligo (and other non-coeliac skin disorders).

A Critical Appraisal of Gluten in Skin Disorders, the Evidence So Far, and Updated Recommendations journals.lww.com/ijd/fullte...

Mark2027 profile image
Mark2027

I take all the co factors associated with B12.

greygoose profile image
greygoose

Hi Mark's girlfriend, welcome to the forum. :)

Well, you've very under-medicated, for a start! (If you are on any medication?)

FT4: 9.4 pmol/l (Range 7.9 - 14.4) 23.08%

Your FT4 should be at lease over 50% through the range. And if your FT4 is too low, your FT3 - the active hormone - will be even low, and that's what's causing your symptoms.

So, your results are very far from 'normal'! A 'normal' (euthyroid) TSH would be around 1. Over 2 would suggest your thyroid is struggling. But what time of day was the blood draw for this test? Because TSH is highest before 9 am and at its lowest around midday.

And, of course, as you have Hashi's we have to bear in mind that numbers are going to jump around a bit, because that's the nature of the disease. Is this your first test? Or do you have other results?

For the ataxia, I find the best thing is CBD oil. There was a time I couldn't stand up straight let alone walk in a straight line! But I'm much much better since I started taking CBD oil. :)

Mark2027 profile image
Mark2027 in reply togreygoose

Thanks. No tests would have been done before 9am and also mentioned Biotin in the B12 complex and he told me ok. I’m on no medication for my thyroid.

Mark2027 profile image
Mark2027 in reply toMark2027

In the B Complex

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply toMark2027

Yes, it's often said on here that the amount of biotin in a B complex isn't enough to worry about.

So, although your TSH Is not 'normal' - too high - it's not high enough for doctors to believe you have a problem. And your FT4 would have to be below range for them to take any interest - they just don't know that much about thyroid, I'm afraid. But, as I said, that still doesn't make your results 'normal', because they aren't.

Why did your doctor treat you for Hashimoto Encephalopathy? Do you have that? What is the treatment? What you really need is thyroid hormone replacement to make you well.

Mark2027 profile image
Mark2027 in reply togreygoose

I suppose from my tests and symptoms although I didn’t think that was the problem . Although I’m not in any pain. He treated with a short course of steroids which had no effect. There is inflammation on my thyroid picked up by ultrasound but he said not enough to effect my hormone levels.

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply toMark2027

Yes, well, I don't really think he knows what he's talking about.

Mark2027 profile image
Mark2027 in reply togreygoose

What do I do get my own tests ?

helvella profile image
helvellaAdministrator in reply toMark2027

helvella - Biotin supplementation and testing

A short article about how and why biotin can affect blood tests. Includes information about how to avoid any problems and how much biotin some foods contain.

Last updated 10/02/2025

Link to blog:

helvella.blogspot.com/p/hel...

Mark2027 profile image
Mark2027 in reply tohelvella

Thanks

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

No conversion problem?

Hello. I am male, 38 years old. My symptons are: Low body temperature (always 35.9 celsius at wake...
Lucas22 profile image

optimal labs on desiccated thyroid?!

I was on Armour (5 grains or 300 mg), and I was not sure how to interpret my labs, so I asked to be...

Please help to understand my thyroid result. My endo thought all I had was vitamin defiency :( I feel so bad.

Dear All, I would like to ask for your kind help to understand what is going on with me. My...
Ester78 profile image

Hashimoto - how to bring persistently high Anti-TPO level down?

Hi everyone, I'm new to this group and need your advise on persistently high Anti-TPO levels. I...
Tracyyyy profile image

How to increase T3 level with no hormones on Hashimoto disease?

Hi, I have Hashimoto disease since 2 years and I've gained 15 kg even if I'm eating less and...
paolavegan profile image

Moderation team

See all
PurpleNails profile image
PurpleNailsAdministrator
Buddy195 profile image
Buddy195Administrator
helvella profile image
helvellaAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.