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Original poster

Anyone work out these thyroid function tests?

5 replies

weemidden · 17/12/2012 20:26

I have possible hypothyroid symptoms (little energy, itchy dry skin, soooo cold, forgetful), the final straw is my ruddy hair is thinning and falling out. Anyway, my thyroid test screening results are back and TSH = 4.72, Free T4 = 15, and free T3 = 5. Apparently normal. Can anyone explain what these figures actually mean?

OP posts:
mercibucket · 17/12/2012 21:45

Tsh is high, in the US they would treat you. is the t4 within the normal range? Did they test you for thyroid antibodies? You should ask for that test to see if you have an autoimmune thyroid condition. If you test positive for antibodies they should really start treating you, as a preventative measure

Did you also get ferritin, b12 and vit d tested as there could be some other deficiencies going on

mercibucket · 17/12/2012 21:45

Tsh is high, in the US they would treat you. is the t4 within the normal range? Did they test you for thyroid antibodies? You should ask for that test to see if you have an autoimmune thyroid condition. If you test positive for antibodies they should really start treating you, as a preventative measure

Did you also get ferritin, b12 and vit d tested as there could be some other deficiencies going on

Original poster
weemidden · 17/12/2012 21:59

Hi Merci, total T4 is not measured where I am, the free T4 result is normal apparently. Still awaiting B12 result and ferritin. I see GP this week and will ask about thyroid antibodies. I suppose I was just hoping for a clear obvious pattern with my results. Along with the teeny hope that my hair will be a glorious mane tomorrow........ Grin

OP posts:
mercibucket · 17/12/2012 22:23

If you ask for the range for the t4 and t3 it will give you an idea of if you are high, low or mid-range.

The tsh needs keeping an eye on and could explain the symptoms but you won't get NHS treatment for it. Get it re-tested every now and then to see what's happening and ask for the antibodies test. Most people have a tsh below 2 and yours must be right on the cusp of not-normal, it would be outside range in my area (depends on the lab).

mercibucket · 17/12/2012 22:23

If you ask for the range for the t4 and t3 it will give you an idea of if you are high, low or mid-range.

The tsh needs keeping an eye on and could explain the symptoms but you won't get NHS treatment for it. Get it re-tested every now and then to see what's happening and ask for the antibodies test. Most people have a tsh below 2 and yours must be right on the cusp of not-normal, it would be outside range in my area (depends on the lab).

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