Confused about my blood test results - what do they mean?

Posted , 8 users are following.

I had a blood test and asked them to check my thyroid as I thought I might have an overactive one - I'm skinny and I have severe anxiety. I have a fast heartbeat and get palpitations. I get dizzy when standing up (I'm not anaemic, I had that checked!) I also keep waking up at night with very tense muscles and a clenched jaw which I thought might tie in.

Here's my blood test results:

Serum free T4 level (XaERr): 18.5 pmol/L TPO antibody negative

Serum TSH level (XaELV): 10.93mlU/L antibody negative

Does this mean I have an underactive thyroid even though it doesn't tie into my symptoms (except my moderate depression, tiredness and foggy head?)

0 likes, 11 replies

11 Replies

  • Posted

    Btw I did have a letter saying I need to make an appointment for a second blood test (I just have been too anxious to go, I have agoraphobia as well lol)
  • Posted

    Hi melissa

    They probably want to check your results again to be sure - they can vary due to things like time of day etc my specialist told me

    Your Tsh definitely suggests underactive and foggyness and sadness is something I suffer with when my levels are too low.

    Underactive thyroid can also cause palpitations, although it tends to be more common with overactive. Maybe there is another condition causing the heart symptoms? Or the anxiety itself can make you feel like your heart is racing and I know from experience that anxiety and stress can cause palpitations in itself.

    It's good they are retesting to be sure. Your t4 is in the upper part of the range but not too high. If the doctors still are not sure, get them to refer you to an endocrinologist - you don't want to get put on medication that can potentially do you more damage than good

    Hope this helps?

    • Posted

      Thank you! I'll just have to wait until I'm brave enough for another blood test. When they called about the results they said everything was clear and normal anyway! Thanks for your reply smile

  • Posted

    Oh dear Melissa...I have agoraphobia and hypothyroid as well...hard to tell which condition is causing symptoms at any given time, but I try to tell myself that it's BOTH, together.  Keep checking your levels and adjust your meds accordingly.  Have you tried yoga and/or meditation?  How's your diet.  Ive found that these things make a huge difference in how I feel. Good luck to you

    • Posted

      Hi, I'm not on any medication at all for anything, not even my agoraphobia! I meditate using the Calm app everyday and I do yoga about 4-5 times a week. I eat very healthily, I'm vegetarian and make sure I get all the nutrients I need. Could you offer any more tips? I suffer with derealisation when I try to go out which really holds me back! Best wishes

  • Posted

    Melissa, foggy head, tired, moderate depression, TSH high: that all adds up to hypothyroid, and requiring medication. Do go through with a second round of tests and ask to see an endocrinologist if you're not happy with how your condition is being handled.

  • Posted

    I actually have agoraphobia and hypothyroidism as well.  I actually had all the same symptoms as you have.  I continually lose weight, jaw clenching, tight muscles, anxiety, nervouseness, racing thoughts... I did have extreme fautigue, although I still felt very restless..not sure if that makes sense..lol.  I was surprised to find out I was hypothyroid.  I have never even heard of hypothyroidism until then.  Well, I got put on levothyroxine and it took about year to get my TSH at about 1.  Which is what my endo said that most patients feel best at.  He was right!  Now I'm not saying I feel 100%, but I do not have the tense muscles all day like I used to, my anxiety has decreased by about 50%, I am happy now, as before I was depressed.  I have alot less panic attacks, and my agoraphobia has slightly improved also.  My thoughts are not as racey and I can think clearer.  I still feel restless though, but it may be a side effect of the levo?    As someone else said.. I believe the symptoms are from both.. hypo and agoraphobia.  But, yes.. the symptoms have become more tolerable for me when put on the levothyroxine.  But, it does take your body a while to adjust to the meds, it won't happen overnight. 

    • Posted

      Wow yeah I feel exactly the same way, and I feel very restless and jittery even though I'm always exhausted. And we have the same name! Thank you for your reply. I'm going to try and not get my hopes up though in case I don't really have hypothyroidism and it's just anxiety. I'd feel a bit awkward then, if I hope my symptoms would be relieved by taking levothyroxine and it's not! I'll have to see after the second blood test. Has anything else helped your agoraphobia? Mine has gotten quite bad again lately x

  • Posted

    jolanta52925, sweetmelissa and rosed1961, your replies were deleted by a mod for some reason sad Please could you email me what you were going to say? Thank you! 

    • Posted

      You got my pm already... That was a week ago, it was about what I take to help with anxiety.
    • Posted

      Oh of course!! How could I forget? Sorry lol and thank you again for your help x

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