Thyroid confusion?

[CherryBlossom321]

I've been suffering for the past few years with some symptoms which I finally went to the GP with last month. I have quite a lot of symptoms which seem to suggest a thyroid issue. My mother, aunt, and grandmother are all medicated for 'underactive' thyroid. My main symptoms currently are; fatigue/exhaustion (serious trouble getting out of bed in the morning), brain fog (I forget everything and lose words in conversation), very heavy periods (I can barely go out as I change a super-duper night time pad every hour), difficulty losing weight on a calorie controlled diet.

I was given blood tests to check 'everything' in the words of the GP. I called for results yesterday and was told that my results were 'normal'. However I pressed for specifics with the thyroid test as I strongly suspect it's a problem. I really don't understand the result, the range etc so I'm hoping someone here can offer some help and advice please.

TSH - 0.931
T4 - 12.0

If this result is in fact fine, what do I do next? I know something is not right 🙁

[NaToth]

Do you have the reference ranges for those results please?

it's almost impossible to interpret them without.

Thanks

[SurvivedTheirTeens]

They look absolutely fine. If anything TSH at ther lower end. Optimum for hypo control i believe is just under 2 if medicated.

Ask for a print out of your results from reception.

[CherryBlossom321]

Hi NaToth, I don't I'm afraid - I guess I should ask for that too, and book another appointment to discuss...SurvivedTheirTeens, I will, thank you both.

[PrincessButtockUp]

Those figures look ok (though of course context matters). Have you had your thyroid function tested before? Change over time is worth keeping track of.

Back to the GP perhaps, saying if not this then what? Don't let them dismiss your symptoms.

[longbar]

A T4 at 12 would be very low for me. Last time I was at 11 I felt like utter shit.

[CherryBlossom321]

Thanks Princess, I previously have had thyroid testing probably about 4 and 8 years ago so I could ask them to look at that I guess? Yes, I'll definitely book another appointment.

[CherryBlossom321]

longbar, that's interesting - is it possible that 'normal' will vary from individual to individual?

[MiniMaxi]

Those definitely sound like hypothyroid symptoms to me.

Can you ask to be re tested with t3 and t4 both tested as well as TSH?

From memory I think they don’t always test t4 (or is it t3?!) and it can make a big difference.

[longbar]

Well the range used had 11 as a borderline result, and it went up to 20-something (24 maybe?) and I always felt normal only near the top of the range. (But as pp have said, the range used for yours may be different). My (sadly former) excellent GP said it was all about the patient and how they felt, and what was normal for them.

[9amTrain]

I would get a printout of your full results, which you are legally entitled to, and post them here. The results are difficult if not impossible to interpret correctly without the lab range.

As well as your thyroid you need optimal vitamin and mineral levels, especially B12, folate, ferritin and vitamin D. I'd then look into other things e.g. a coeliac test, morning cortisol test, sleep study if you're still exhausted.

[CherryBlossom321]

Thank you so much all for your helpful responses. I feel like I can actually move forward with this, rather than staying stuck. I will get a print out and find out the range.