Does anyone understand thyroid numbers?

[Idontunderstandthesenumbers]

I had my thyroid checked 6 months ago it was at 1.5, I then had it checked again last week and it's now 0.7. My GP isn't bothered because it's in the realms of normal (over 0.5) and doesn't seem to be considering that it's dropped.

Should I let it be or is there something I should be doing with this or is it ok to ignore? My symptoms match a thyroid issue and all the women in my family have thyroid problems.

Is this TSH?

If so, it’s still very much in normal range but mildly unusual to drop in 6 months

what prompted the doctor to test and then retest? Did you have specific symptoms?

Yes it's TSH. I was tested because I've been having some really strange symptoms for a number of months now. Tests, like this, come back borderline so nothing is followed up and I continue to feel rubbish. I think they seem to think I'll go away if they run a blood test.

Try the thyroid group on Health Unlocked, very informative and helpful members ☺️

I’ve had thyroid probs for year so should be able to help. TSH of 0.7 is in the average range. Below 0.5 you would be considered ‘overactive’ so experiencing a range of symptoms including being too holt, anxious / on edge, heart palpitations - do you have any of these symptoms? X

I don't think the nhs routinely look at autoimmune factors . I have hashimotos which was only picked up when I went private .

It is usual for some fluctuations, especially if you have lost or gained weight, or had a big lifestyle overhaul, or had a change in your stress level.

In isolation, the result doesn’t really tell you much.

it is probably worth getting a full thyroid function test, which your GP might be reluctant to do, but you can order a test kit from Thriva or Medichecks and do it at home with finger prick blood. The tests are about £70, and you can then send the results to your GP, but the blood test company will also give you some guidance on what the results mean.

I would get a full test as TSH is only part of the picture. There's also T4 and T3. And 0.7 can be fine for some and not for others. My TSH is 'within' range around 3,0 (it was 27 before I started meds), but I still have many symptoms, so after years of being stable, I asked my GP to increase my dose and see what happens.