Hello. Sorry to start straight off with a question but I am reading so much conflicting information that I need to speak with people who actually know what they are talking about.
I am also aware that there are several different tests, but all I have found out so far from the receptionist (you don't get to speak with a GP for test results) is that my test came back as 2.07 - when I asked what the range was, she said it was from 0.05 to 5 and I was "normal".
Problem is, I tick almost every single symptom for hypothyroidism, morning temperature (axillary) is usually between 34.2 and 34.6 and reaches a "high" of around 35.5 later in the day if I have been walking briskly. Depression (recently diagnosed but have lived with it for about 20 years), thinning outer edges of eyebrows, feeling cold a good deal of the time, very dry skin, heavy thirst, generally very tired and find it exceptionally hard to maintain weight loss. If I eat less I just need to sleep for even longer.
If it isn't hypothyroidism I am guessing something else is a bit off. Problem is a combination of GPs not really wanting to do anything when tests are "normal" and my depression / extreme tiredness making it surprisingly difficult for me to challenge them.
Is there a better test that might just get to the bottom of this? I don't mind paying so long as I can start to get some life back in return. If there is a specific test I should ask for, please can you tell me word for word, which test I should ask my GP to do. If they are adamant that I do not need another test, is there a recommended private test I can do - and if so can it be done by post or must it be in person?
Sorry for the long post but I wanted to give as much info as I have to hand in the hope it helps someone give me a few helpful pointers.
It may be a good idea to look at the main website of ThyroidUK where you can read about all the tests required for a good diagnosis. That also includes the vitamins and minerals. Also a page on understanding the results. So much excellent information and a very good place to start. Have you had anti-bodies tested ? - anti TPO ? Docs/labs do not like to test if the TSH is in range - so probably best to have it done privately - again there is information about Testing Labs on the ThyroidUK website. Good Luck !
Ask your GP for a full thyroid profile. Testing only TSH is not reliable. I think the full thyroid profile tests T3 and T4. Hopefully someone on here will be able to tell you more. Your TSH may be within their range, but not normal for you. When mine goes above 1, I feel dreadful. Sorry I don't know about private health care, but I guess you'd have to get the GP to refer you. Good luck
Before going the private route, you could try asking your GP to do a full thyroid test, not just TSH, which is the one I think you have posted here. He needs to test T4 and T3. T4 is the inactive hormone produced by your thyroid and then converted by your body into T3. The latter is what your body needs to function correctly. When you have the results, post here again and someone will comment. I hope your GP s reasonable about this, otherwise post here for details of private testing or look at Thyroid UK's website. Your symptoms point to your being hypo, so it will be interesting to see your blood results. Good luck!
most times I'm afraid the lab will refuse your doc request for extra tests of ft4 and 3 if tsh is normal,, but request or indeed nag to be referred to endo who will be able to test everything and treat you better hopefully. if the doc refuses to acknowledge this is your thyroid then even more reason to be referred to find out just exactly what's wrong,, plus now we're heading into winter please ensure your vit d is ok,, most of us need some supplementation at this time of year esp,, your doc can test this or we can advise you how to test it privately for 25 quid,, well worth it as really helps assist thyroid function. regards,,, Ian
I have autoimmune hypothyroidism but for a fantastic GP this would have gone undiagnosed, as you can test within normal ranges. My GP performed an antibody test and I am now on 250 mcg of Levothyroxine.
Some people have to be low within the 'normal' range to feel well. There is a little book by Dr Toft called Understanding Thyroid Disorders which states this and could be a good one for you and your doctor to read! You can buy it at some chemists and certainly from Amazon. I had a full thyroid function test done by Genova diagnostics through the Thyroid UK website, getting the blood taken at my local private hospital. If your GP won't test anything other than TSH, this might be a worthwhile investment.
Yep, you sound hypothyroid. Most countries in the world would treat you with a tsh of about 2.5. ( a normal tsh is 1). But the uk has the worst record of all and treatment is left too late.
You can list all your symptoms and plead with your Gp for a trial of thyroid meds.... Or a referal to an endocrinologist....
Or, read the book by Dr toft.. Understanding thyroid problems.... About £5 from amazon or your local chemist. Then argue your case some more...
Or you could get a full thyroid profile done with one of the labs.... Genova diagnostics or. Blue horizon.... The profile will show tsh, free t4 and free t3 a swell as throid antibodies. You deal direct with the lab and the price is around a hundred quid or a full profile. Once you know where you stand, you will be better armed to argue for some treatment, or you can just buy your own meds and self treat. This forum doesn't condone self treatment, but plenty of us have to do it....
Until you have some proper test results, you are stuck though, here is where to get them.... thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...
Also, if you live close enough to Genova to be able to go to their office (near Motspur Park station), they'll draw the blood for you free of charge. (Call and check with them first, of course, but they did so for me as recently as March.) Good luck.
ask to be tested for vitamin B12, being low in this can give almost every symptom of hypothyroidism....do not take any supplements before being tested, if you are taking them stop them a week before the blood draw.
Dont give up - I was persistent and have now been granted a full test through my gp
Thank you so much to all who took the time to respond, I really appreciate your input and encouragement. I will compile a short list of "bullet points" (which tests to ask for, referral to endocrinologist if not etc) and see how what they say.
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