Interpreting test results...help!

Sassisoo•8 years ago•

Hi, In the face of sceptical NHS staff, I decided to get a test done privately, as I'm just fed up with feeling so 'off' and found some good info through Tyroid UK.. and although I THINK I understand the result, before I go back to my doctor, would very much appreciate someone who is more knowledgeable helping me with correctly understanding the scores..

T4 = 73 (range 58-154)

TSH = 1.8 (range 0.4-4.0)

T4 = 12.8 (range 10-22)

FT3 = 3.64 (2.8-6.5)

FT4 = 3.52 (3 - 5)

Thyroglobulin = <20 (0-40)

Perixidase = (10.7 (0-35)

I feel slightly stupid being so uncertain and would appreciate any advice or help. Thank you

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Chippysue

8 years ago

Hi Sassisoo,

Your TSH could be lower, some folk don't feel well until their TSH is under 1 and their Free T4 at the top or even above the range. Your Free T4 is nearer the bottom so could be much improved. My guess is that you need an increase and maybe even two increases in thyroid meds.

To back this up show your GP a copy of Understanding thyroid disease by Dr Toft which is available in good Chemists at £4.99. Some of the advice in this book is not good, sorry I don't know which page it is on where he says the above info and also says that it is not unreasonable for patients still suffering to replace some of the Thyroxine (T4) with T3 (tri-iodothyronine).

When you are taking your optimum dose it can be a few months after that point that you start to improve.

Other things to bare in mind is how you take your levothyroxine - at the same time with water and not to eat or drink any other type of drink for at least half an hour.

Also if you take iron or calcium to ensure that these are taken at the other end of the day.

Also (there are so many factors) whether your Pharmacist changes your brand of levothyroxine, this can interfere

<b>Updated on Jun 9 2010 2:22PM:</b> Is it levothyroxine that you are taking? what dose?

Have you had your B12, ferritin and folate tested? if these results are low then it is possible this will cause similar symptoms to hypothyroid symptoms.

These pointers are just what I have picked up along the way on my journey of trying to improve. I am not a medical expert as you know.

Sassisoo

in reply to Chippysue

8 years ago

Hi Suze, No I'm not on meds or even diagnoed - its the start of my journey to knowing what on earth is causing these blasted symptoms - kind of everything and nothing at the same time, and the energy levels (or absence) is perhaps the most frustrating, especially the mental 'fuzziness' which is particularly galling. I've been given a copy of the eat right 4 your type book by a friend and was quite dismissive of it...before I read it, which I did today. The author is the 1st to say its not a 'cure all' but a substantial piece of the jigsaw to overall health for the individual, and a lot of the potential issues listed for my group are spot on in my case. I am going to give it a try for a few weeks and see if I notice any improvement in things. Fingers crossed!