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Autoimmune disease
TSH 4.8, borderline raised - what to expect from follow up bloods?
mintymellons · 03/06/2019 11:42
Hi
I posted over in General Health but thought it might be an idea to post here too.
So, I had a full set of blood tests done a couple of weeks ago. They were done due to me having an unusual symptom of a burning throat/mouth which didn't respond to acid reducing medications. I've also been generally pretty run down over the last few months with recurring eye infections and vertigo/dizziness along with the above.
Anyway, blood results showed that my TSH was borderline high at 4.8. Unfortunately I don't have the range for it. All other results were normal.
Having done my own googling research, I discovered that hypothyroidism can have many symptoms though this particular one (burning mouth/throat) didn't come up specifically.
I'm due to get the bloods repeated in four weeks time, but I was wondering what will happen if they remain the same?
I feel generally okay in myself, fed up with the mouth/throat thing but no typical hypothyroid symptoms such as lethargy, weight gain etc...
I'd be interested to hear if anyone has experience of burning throat/mouth, especially if thyroid related.
I've been back to the GP today and have now been given anti fungal drops to try, so we'll see.
Teddybear45 · 03/06/2019 11:47
Did you get thyroid antibodies tested? Some autoimmune thyroid conditions present with yo yo’ing TSH levels.
A burning mouth usually fits in with vitamin B deficiency but it could also fit severe Vitamin D deficiency too. Have your levels been tested?
notatwork · 03/06/2019 11:50
Hypothyroid woudl manifest itself in other ways as well as/instead of a burning mouth.
Have you been advised to take a B12 supplement? A B12 deficiency often begets sore mouth/tongue.
mintymellons · 03/06/2019 11:56
Teddybear45, I don't know if my antibodies were tested or Vit D. The GP said it was a full MOT blood test based on my main symptom along with the vertigo and general run down-ness.
Notatwork, yes that's what I thought re my symptoms, though it appears that something is going on with my thyroid. I haven't been advised to do anything (apart from use the anti fungal drops prescribed today).
redstapler · 03/06/2019 11:59
I'm a GP, that is very borderline and there is no huge evidence that treating makes a difference, though in certain circumstances you should definitely be treated e.g. if pregnant or TTC. This isn't medical advice but for borderline subclinical hypothyroid (I'm assuming your T4 was normal) I would generally repeat in 8 weeks with antithyroid antibodies.
mintymellons · 03/06/2019 12:07
Thanks Redstapler.
Yes, my T4 was normal as far as I'm aware, just the TSH borderline raised.
I do have a mitral valve prolapse with moderate regurgitation so I don't know if that would have any impact on potential treatment?
redstapler · 03/06/2019 12:40
Probably not but you'd have to check with your GP. I think this is an incidental finding rather than an answer to your symptoms (again this isn't individual medical advice if the GMC is watching!!)
mintymellons · 03/06/2019 12:57
I agree Redstar, a bit of a red herring which I've latched on to in desperation.
Thank you for your non-medical advice 
NaToth · 03/06/2019 13:40
I agree with @redstapler re the next lot of tests.
I would also suggest that you get your next bloods done fasting and as early in the morning as you can because of the circadian rhythm to TSH.
redstapler · 03/06/2019 13:46
I'm not aware of any reason why TFTs need to be done fasting or at any particular time of day.
Lara53 · 05/06/2019 16:44
TSH is a pituitary hormone and has nothing to do with the thyroid.
redstapler · 06/06/2019 06:15
@Lara53 TSH is thyroid stimulating hormone so it kind of does have something to do with the thyroid in that it is a key oart of thyroid metabolism. No one said it was made in the thyroid but it goes up if the thyroid is underactive
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