Slightly low TSH - have no idea if this means anything?

[Poppyella]

I am a total novice when it comes to thyroid tests! In January my HRT (50yo female) did not seem to be helping with my fatigue and joint pain so I had a range of blood tests. My B12 and Vit D were low so I have commenced the protocols for those. My serum TSH was 0.40 (0.30 - 4.20) which I see is in range but on the lower end. This was the only thyroid test in amongst them all. Is this OK? Or does it not mean much without the T3 and T4 tests too? I have a large goitre but have been told it's OK and will cause no symptoms because my bloods are normal. I'm happy to carry on and be told my thyroid is all fine but since joining the B12 and Vit D 'community' I have learnt that a lot of what GP's tell us is in fact not very well informed! I have experience of this with my own GP who is not acting on my abnormal B12 result at all. Should I do anything further do you think? many thanks

[Jaydee1507 Administrator]

Welcome to the group. If you could complete your profile it helps members understand your thyroid journey. Click on your image icon to start.

If your GP has refused you injections what supplements are you taking?

Do you have a copy of your latest blood results that you can share with us? You are legally entitled to this, ask at GP reception. In England you can get the NHS app and ask for permission to see your blood results on that by asking at GP’s reception..

GP's often onlt test TSH and to get a full picture we need to see TSH, FT4 & FT3. Thyroid antibodies should also be tested to check for autoimmune problems.

When hypo we get low stomach acid which means we cannot absorb vitamins well from our food, regardless of a great diet. For thyroid hormone to work well we need OPTIMAL levels of vitamins. Have you recently or could you ask your GP to test levels of ferritin, folate, B12 & D3? Private tests are available, see link for companies offering private blood tests & discount codes, some offer a blood draw service at an extra cost. thyroiduk.org/help-and-supp...

The cheapest test currently available is from Randox Heath which includes antibodies if you're OK with finger prick tests. randoxhealth.com/at-home/Th...

There is also a new company offering walk in & mail order blood tests in Crawley, Hove and Reigate areas. onedaytests.com/products/ul...

Do you know if you had positive thyroid antibodies? Many with autoimmune thyroid disease aka Hashimoto's benefit from a gluten free diet. A smaller percentage of those also need to remove dairy from their diet to feel well.

[Poppyella in reply to Jaydee1507]

Thanks for your reply

I will try and answer your questions. I have done my profile.

I have my results on the NHS app including the following from January this year:

HB - 137g/L

TSH - 0.40mU/L (0.30-4.20)

Vit D - 39nmol/L (50-250)

B12 - 127ng/L (180-900)

Folate - 6.3mcg/L (3.0-20)

Iron - 12.7mmol/L (11-30)

Ferritin - 107

I have never had a test for thyroid antibodies -is this something I can arrange privately as I know the GP won't consider it.

Since these results I am self injecting every other day B12, along with 5mg folic acid and multi B vitamins daily. I also take Vit D3 (10,000iu) + K2 (200mg) + Magnesium every day.

I have been doing the above supplements for about a month now and tbh don't feel much better. Hence now looking at my thyroid health, but I am really unsure where to start.

[Jaydee1507 Administrator in reply to Poppyella]

Since these results I am self injecting every other day B12, along with 5mg folic acid and multi B vitamins daily. I also take Vit D3 (10,000iu) + K2 (200mg) + Magnesium every day.

Fantastic! It will take a few months and perhaps longer for the B12 to do it's job so do be patient.

Thank you for doing your profile, its really helpful for everyone.

The NHS only test one type of antibody anyway and private test is the only way to get Thyroglobulin tested. If positive it would indicate an issue. Your TSH is actually very good but its impossible to be sure about that without seeing all the other results.

The cheapest test currently available is from Randox Heath which includes antibodies if you're OK with finger prick tests. randoxhealth.com/at-home/Th...

[Poppyella in reply to Jaydee1507]

OK thank you. Good to hear my TSH is very good It's just when some results are so far away from normal (B12) and yet the doctor denies me treatment I just wondered if a result so close to being in range was actually worse than it portrays. If you see what I mean!

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Poppyella]

Always test thyroid levels early morning, ideally just before 9am

Stop vitamin B complex 5-7 days before test as contains biotin and this can affect test results

Retest vitamin D in 2 months

10,000iu per day is very high dose. Quite likely too high

NHS easy postal kit vitamin D test £31 via

vitamindtest.org.uk

B12 was so low GP should have tested for Pernicious Anaemia…..did they

[Poppyella in reply to SlowDragon]

My IF antibody test was negative so no PA. Thanks for the info re stopping B complex if I get the thyroid tests done.

I am following the Vitamin D wellness protocol to get my D levels up but as soon as I am optimal I will reduce the dose.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Your iron is low, but ferritin looks good

Ferritin can be falsely high with inflammation eg with autoimmune thyroid disease

Medichecks or Blue horizon include testing CRP for inflammation