What is in a Thyroid Function Test?

Do they only test TSH levels or do they do T4 & T3 as well? I managed to get the last TSH level result (normal 1.61) but wouldn't they have checked other stuff like antibodies? Felt better after op but now have crashed, I just know they'll say it's my other half adjusting, and I won't be bothered to argue........

[lm713]

I believe they usually only test TSH and T4 and neglect T3 - My doctor said T3 is only tested in patients who are being treated for a thyroid disorder to monitor their treatment.

From what I have read, antibodies are not usually tested.

The best thing to do is to request a printout of all your blood test results from your surgery - by law they have to give this to you.

[Hidden in reply to lm713]

Hi lm - thanks for the reply

Yes I asked for a printout from surgery, they said who's asking? only managed to get one by lying that my osteopath wanted it! but it only showed TSH - but I had a 'full' Thyroid function test. I think I'm entitled to know when they've just cut half my thyroid out!

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/pages/...

[lm713 in reply to lm713]

You know what, if they say who's asking, say "I am". You have every right to this information (quote the data protection act if you have to) and you shouldn't be made to pussy foot about to try to get it. If they're annoying you, maybe you should consider changing your GP - depending on where you live that may or may not be practical, but if you live in a big city there will be an abundance of choice and believe me not all GP surgeries are the same, nor are all the GPs at a particular surgery (while at university I tried every GP in the surgery until I found one I liked).

When you go to your GP, be determined, say e.g. "I don't feel like I can leave here today without a referral to an endocrinologist" (for example). This 'line' was given to me by a women who was hypothyroid (biochemical in fact, not just clinical) and had to fight for treatment - her GP later apologised to her for having misunderstood the lab results.

How are you feeling now? Any better? What medication have they put you on?

[Hidden in reply to lm713]

Hi - Yes I'd read on this site about seeing my results - and on NHS website-

nhs.uk/chq/pages/1309.aspx?...

When you're ill you ring the docs & Hey presto - you get the twat that no-one wants to see! - so they've labelled me with Anxiety because I wanted someone to see how I was - palpitations, tremor etc. (have some Valium - no) but my GP listens & says I seem 'level headed' but insisted I had beta blockers & then dopamine (Parkinsons drug) I don't do pills and haven't taken any, well I went last week for antibiotics, they're ok. I thought I must have had a water infection 'cos of these clammy turns etc. but I guess it's thyroid. (couldn't see my doc so didn't bother with how I felt) Feel much better in evenings, but mornings are really scarey - what about you? The 'monkey chatter' when you try to sleep is driving me batty with worry!

So are you hypothyroid, with 'normal' bloods?

I suppose I'm lucky after 10 years I now know these feelings are thyroid 'cos I felt better after op (warmer, no shakes, not as tired etc). Seeing my surgeon Thursday - think he's supposed to take bloods (& tell me if the nodule was benign or not). Sorry for long post! bet you wish you hadn't asked!

[lm713 in reply to lm713]

Not at all! So you were hypo before the operation with the nodule inhibiting thyroid function? What is 'monkey chatter'? - I have a strange feeling I know what you are talking about...

I think I might be hypo because my T4 is at the bottom of the range and most of the symptoms I have are consistent with hypothyroidism, but I think the only way to find out is with a trial of some thyroxine and maybe some T3. It might be that my pituitary gland or hypothalamus is not functioning correctly because my TSH is actually at a good level of 0.4 - so I don't know, but I do know something is not right.

That's interesting that you feel better at night - from what I can remember thyroid function slows down at the end of the day and over night. So maybe you are now hyper in the mornings (that would be consistent with feeling clammy I believe) and by the evening you are at a more normal level.

I wouldn't discount your thyroid readjusting after the operation all together. My friend had radio-iodine treatment not long ago and had some nasty symptoms 3-4 weeks afterwords which have now thankfully subsided. (Obviously it's not the same thing, but the idea that the body needs time to readjust might also apply.)

Hang in there - take it easy on yourself for the next few weeks. You will feel better.

[Hidden in reply to lm713]

Hi again - thanx for the reply and sensible advice. Monkey chatter - an american friend called it that -when you're trying to relax, sleep, even read a book & stupid little things pop into your head until they become big walls you can't get over, worry, ticking, no concentration, I'm sure you know.

Does you GP think you have thyroid problems then? do they do trials? I've been wondering about pituitary & adrenals too - there's an ACTH test. I know I definitely feel the 'fight or flight' urge! (Licorice may help???!!!!)

It seems a lot of folks have tests within 'normal' range (but everyone's 'normal' is different!).

Yes I've been telling myself it's just adjusting after the Op, but I was hit by a ton of bricks Wednesday, even hubby noticed! I spent most of yesterday trying not to cry, not like me at all! I've gone from chilled to frantic.

You hang in there too, I hope your doc can sort it - keep me posted

[lm713 in reply to lm713]

Sorry I don't know about the ACTH test - I'll look into it myself.

Hopefully your surgeon can shed some light and make you feel better on Thursday. I know it's easy saying 'hang in there' and a different story in practice, but from personal experience seeing positive effects can take a while (sometimes longer than expected), but it does happen. Maybe try to keep your mind on something else until Thursday?

My GP said previously my thyroid results were fine. I'll ask for a referral to an endocrinologist and see where that goes.

Thanks

[Hidden]

Note to self

Feb 10 TSH 1.61(range .35-5.5)

Sept 10 - Partial tyroidectomy - Pre-op test results TSH?

Nov 10 TSH 2.5

Mar 11 TSH 5.24