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Thyroid function

3 replies

KR2013 · 28/11/2025 11:45

Hoping someone here may have some relevant experiences! For reference, I have rheumatoid arthritis (diagnosed at 17), and suffered from postpartum thyroiditis - when I was seen for this at the hospital, they tested for autoantibodies and I tested positive, so was warned I would be likely to end up with an under active thyroid at some point in the future. My mum also has an under active thyroid, which began around the age I am now (early 40s).

I've recently had very irregular periods and heavier bleeding than usual, and my GP tested my thyroid function. Last month, my TSH was 6.4 (it's always been 2.something when tested previously), but T4 was normal. I was retested yesterday and they've said it's now back to normal, although TSH is still showing at 5.2. I can see the lab reference values say normal is up to 5.5, but from looking online, it looks like 5.2 is still higher than it should be?

I'm planning on having a follow up with my GP anyway, but wanted to see what other people's experiences have been - could a TSH of 6.4 and/or 5.2 be causing any symptoms, or is it likely symptoms are unrelated? From previous health issues I'm used to having to sometimes push despite being told things are normal/nothing to worry about etc, but also like to pick my battles 😅

Thanks in advance!

OP posts:
Flowerfairy13 · 28/11/2025 11:52

Yes absolutely causing symptoms and the NHS are USELESS at treating thyroid issues. TSH of over 2 isn't 'normal' even though the range goes up to 5 (or whatever).
Get over to the Health Unlocked Thyroid UK forum for support.

KR2013 · 28/11/2025 12:04

Flowerfairy13 · 28/11/2025 11:52

Yes absolutely causing symptoms and the NHS are USELESS at treating thyroid issues. TSH of over 2 isn't 'normal' even though the range goes up to 5 (or whatever).
Get over to the Health Unlocked Thyroid UK forum for support.

Thank you - that definitely seems to back up what I've found online, but so useful to hear from people with lived experience too.

OP posts:
Flowerfairy13 · 28/11/2025 12:06

No worries! This is a battle worth pursuing :)

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