u/Downtown_Cut8439

Hi everyone,

I’m based in the UK and would really appreciate hearing from anyone who has been in a similar position, as I’m getting slightly different advice and feeling quite confused.

I recently had blood tests through Medichecks because of ongoing symptoms including fatigue, weight gain, constipation, feeling cold, dry skin, hair thinning and heavy periods.

My results were:

• TSH: 5.18 mIU/L (range 0.27–4.2)
• Free T4: 13.8 pmol/L (range 12–22)
• Free T3: 5.8 pmol/L (range 3.1–6.8)
• TPO antibodies: 21 IU/mL (negative)
• Thyroglobulin antibodies: 26 IU/mL (negative)

Other tests including B12, folate, vitamin D and CRP were normal.

I then had a consultation with a private GP via Medichecks. The GP documented a suspected diagnosis of subclinical hypothyroidism and explained that my thyroid appears to be working harder than usual, although my thyroid hormone levels remain within the normal range. She felt the blood test changes may still be relevant because of my symptoms and advised discussing the results with my NHS GP. She also mentioned that some GPs may consider a trial of low-dose thyroxine in certain cases, although this would depend on the overall clinical picture.

However, I also had a consultation with The Thyroid Clinic UK. They advised against levothyroxine at this stage because my Free T3 and Free T4 are normal. Their recommendation was selenium, vitamin D at 2000 IU, and zinc supplementation, monitoring, and repeating thyroid blood tests in 6 months.

The part I’m struggling with is that the Medichecks GP seemed to suggest follow-up blood tests in the coming months, whereas the thyroid specialist recommended waiting 6 months.

Has anyone else experienced:

• Raised TSH with normal T3 and T4?
• A diagnosis of subclinical hypothyroidism?
• Monitoring rather than immediate treatment?
• Different recommendations regarding how often blood tests should be repeated?

I’m not looking for a diagnosis, just interested in hearing other people’s experiences and how things progressed over time.

Thank you.