Understanding results

[Lex_T]

I have just got my blood results back and the doctors where not very helpful. I'm just trying to understand each part. TSH - 6.5 mlU/L (0.30 - 4.50)

Free T4 - 10.1 pmol/l (10.0 - 22.0)

TPO antibodies, Positive - 104 (0.0- 34.0)

Any help so I can try to make a plan on what to do next would be appreciated

[SlowDragon Administrator]

welcome to the forum

Is this your first thyroid blood test

Or are you already on replacement thyroid hormones?

What time was test done

Do you have symptoms?

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Starting levothyroxine - flow chart

gps.northcentrallondonccg.n...

So if this is your first abnormal test

Rebook a second test in 6-8 weeks

if on levothyroxine already…..you need 25mcg dose increase

Bloods should be retested 6-8 weeks after each dose change or brand change in levothyroxine

Or after first abnormal test

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 tested

Also both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested at least once

Very important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 at least once year minimum

Your high TPO antibodies confirms autoimmune thyroid disease

About 90% of primary hypothyroidism is autoimmune thyroid disease, usually diagnosed by high TPO and/or high TG thyroid antibodies

Autoimmune thyroid disease with goitre is Hashimoto’s

Autoimmune thyroid disease without goitre is Ord’s thyroiditis.

Both are autoimmune and generally called Hashimoto’s.

Low vitamin levels are extremely common when hypothyroid, especially with autoimmune thyroid disease

In U.K. medics hardly ever refer to autoimmune thyroid disease as Hashimoto’s (or Ord’s thyroiditis)

Recommended that all thyroid blood tests early morning, ideally just before 9am, only drink water between waking and test and …….if on levothyroxine 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 antibodies and vitamins

medichecks.com/products/adv...

Blue Horizon Thyroid Premium Gold includes antibodies, cortisol and vitamins

bluehorizonbloodtests.co.uk...

Only do private testing early Monday or Tuesday morning.

Link about thyroid blood tests

thyroiduk.org/testing/thyro...

Link about Hashimoto’s

thyroiduk.org/hypothyroid-b...

Symptoms of hypothyroidism

thyroiduk.org/signs-and-sym...

Tips on how to do DIY finger prick test

support.medichecks.com/hc/e...

Medichecks and BH also offer private blood draw at clinic near you, or private nurse to your own home…..for an extra fee

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Your Ft4 is right at bottom of range

High thyroid antibodies - confirms cause is autoimmune thyroid disease

Would expect you feel fatigue

Book repeat test for 6 weeks time …9am latest

Meanwhile

Request GP test vitamin D, folate, B12 and full iron panel test including ferritin

You also need coeliac blood test as per NICE guidelines

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

1.1 Recognition of coeliac disease

1.1.1 Offer serological testing for coeliac disease to:

people with any of the following:

persistent unexplained abdominal or gastrointestinal symptoms

faltering growth

prolonged fatigue

unexpected weight loss

severe or persistent mouth ulcers

unexplained iron, vitamin B12 or folate deficiency

type 1 diabetes, at diagnosis

autoimmune thyroid disease, at diagnosis

irritable bowel syndrome (in adults)

first‑degree relatives of people with coeliac disease.