Thyroid problems? Blood test normal

[waltzeswithsnobs]

I very much suspected that I had an issue with my thyroid. I went to the GP for a blood test on Monday and they texted me to say 'blood test results normal'. Okay. So, what do I do now though? I am thinking of ringing again to ask for an appointment (follow up?) to discuss the blood test results - or at least discuss the issues that lead me to asking for the blood test - and ask if there is any thing else to look for/try.

Is it possible for the results to be inaccurate or am I just clutching at straws? I was just so hopeful that it would turn out to be a thyroid problem and there would be something that could be done. Has anyone else had to try a few times before getting a diagnosis for thyroid issues? I'm not in the UK in case that makes a difference. Thank you.

I had this issue. As long as the results are within range then they’ll say you’re fine but as I recall TSH should be near the bottom of the range and free T4 near the top. Have you seen the actual values yourself?

Hi, thanks for answering. No, just that text - your recent blood test is normal. I'm not 100% sure the doctor knew what I wanted to check for. She ticked two boxes on the form and mentioned 'liver function' and something else but I definitely mentioned that I wanted my thyroid function checked - twice. She did write something on the form, could've been 'thyroid' I don't know. She was in a massive hurry because my appointment was at 12:45 and she said they come to collect blood samples at 1pm.

I’m able to access my results online and it has links to a website that explains what each test is for and what the result means. You can ask the surgery to print them off for you. I had to go for repeated blood tests due to a low wbc count and always asked for thyroid tests then plotted a graph to show how my t4 was consistently falling. Eventually it fell out of range and they finally said I may have an issue. I ended up going for an mri where they found a pituitary cyst but they reckoned it wasn’t related. Then I stopped drinking, started eating properly and it rectified itself. Have you had your estrogen and fsh checked?

Thank you, no I haven't had any other tests. I already don't drink and follow a high protein diet. I will definitely investigate further. Even if it turns out not to be my thyroid I would still like to address the symptoms.

ask for a print out of your results but usually the GP only test tsh and t4 which aren’t sufficient to diagnose a thyroid issue. most people end up getting private testing via thriva medichecks etc thyroid uk often have discounts on their website. The tests that are necessary usually include tsh free t4 free t3 thyroid antibodies b12 folate ferritin & vitamin D
try joining health unlocked thyroid uk page it’s a good peer support site

PS the ranges GP’s use are ridiculous for example it’s pretty well accepted most people need a TSH under 1 to feel well but the nhs recently moved the range for TSH up to 10. mine rose from 1 to 6 in a 6 month period and i had antibodies meaning i have an autoimmune disease- the most common cause of thyroid disease that nobody seems to know or be told about by their GP!

Thank you @mummylondon16 I did go back and went through the results with (a different) doctor. (I didn't ask for a different doctor!)

My white blood cell count was low and the doctor suggested my ferritin levels could be - but they hadn't specifically checked for ferritin. My hemoglobin was fine. He wrote me a prescription for Galfer for the (possible) low ferritin, which I am taking and I ordered a Bladderwrack /sea kelp supplement which is supposed to help thyroid fuction. So hopefully one or both of those will help!