What to ask for

I am going to my G.P to ask for a trial of medication as I have Hashis just wondering what I should be requesting both my t3 and t4 are quite low. I dont think he is going to agree to my request but at least if I have an idea of what would help it would be a start.

[puncturedbicycle]

Hi ann22. Has Hashi's been established by antibody tests? And if so do you know why you haven't yet been given medication (I can only assume you're just under the threshold of 'high enough' tsh or similar)?

A gp will only give t4 (levothyroxine) at this stage. But if you have Hashi's you should be taking something for it.

[Hidden in reply to puncturedbicycle]

Yes it was the antibody test that came back positive by blue horizon, but my tsh was only 1.69 but I did the test in the afternoon but both t3 and t4 were very low. My G.P said she would just keep an eye on it but I am going back as my symptoms are getting worse. I cant understand what they are waiting for things are not going to get better they are going to get worse.

[gabkad in reply to Hidden]

ann, taking 50 mcg T4 would not be the end of the world. Your GP could trial you on it even if in her opinion it's BS. If you end up feeling better after 3 weeks and at 6 weeks the blood results look better, then you know you are on the right track. You may need a bit more but it's a reasonable start and it makes no sense to not give it a try.

[shaws Administrator]

This is an excerpt from an article by Dr Toft of the British Thyroid Association. He recommends to 'nip it in the bud'. If you email [e-mail] for a copy and discuss question 2 with your GP.

But if it persists then antibodies to thyroid peroxidase should be measured. If these are positive – indicative of underlying autoimmune thyroid disease – the patient should be considered to have the mildest form of hypothyroidism.

In the absence of symptoms some would simply recommend annual thyroid function tests until serum TSH is over 10mU/l or symptoms such as tiredness and weight gain develop. But a more pragmatic approach is to recognise that the thyroid failure is likely to become worse and try to nip things in the bud rather than risk loss to follow-up.

Treatment should be started with levothyroxine in a dose sufficient to restore serum TSH to the lower part of its reference range. Levothyroxine in a dose of 75-100µg daily will usually be enough.

[Hidden]

We are all different. I have an autoimmune disease (peroxidase well out of range) with goiter and have been told on this site that it is hashis. I have 6 monthly blood tests as recommended by Consultant at the Lab that analyses tests in my area and everything so far is within range. I have had everything tested and my surgery are happy for me to add on anything to the regular TSH test. I take supplements as recommended by users of the site, exercise, eat healthily (gluten free did not reduce my antibodies - apparently only 8% of hashis sufferers benefit from gluten free) and do everything possible to look after myself. I do slip by the wayside as no one is perfect. My goiter has grown a little in three years.

I do not want to take thyroxine - the thought of having to rely on medication for the rest of my life and the possible side effects if not monitored properly fills me with horror. My GP knows this and we both have discussed the conflicting research and opinions on taking it to support the thyroid.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Holb, do you have any symptoms my problem is I do have symptoms which seem to be getting worse. I dont think anyone wants to be on meds for life but if that is what is required to help me feel well again so be it. My GP has not given me any advice on what to do to prevent the condition getting any worse just says they will keep an eye on it ,

[Hidden]

Yes I do have symptoms such as dry eyes, raised cholesterol etc, tiredness etc. I take a benecol drink each day with selinium, lycopene and curcumin, vit d, and a multi vitamin. (The Endo I saw approved these) I make up a concoction (purchase them all on the internet as they are cheaper) of (1 tablespoon each of) psyllium, quinoa flakes, linseed and a spoonful of almonds and walnuts and have this with yoghurt. . Many people strongly believe that a gluten free diet reduces antibodies and it certainly works for many. It did not for me but it is worth giving it a go. I also make my own juice drinks a few days a week with whatever fruit is on offer. I mix fruit with any vegetables I may have and add stacks of lemon so it lasts longer in the fridge. I have to say that of all the things I try and do these drinks do improve my energy levels.

I hope this helps Ann. Keep cheerful and believe that you can improve how you are feeling....

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I am taking vit C and brazil nuts I have tried gluten free but found it very difficult my sister has celiax so if I thought it would make a big difference I would stick at it now matter how difficult trouble is apart from this site no one gives any advice they just say come back in 6 months its as if we are just waiting for things to get worse which I cannot understand if I had no symptoms I could go along with this but as it is my hair has gone really thin at the front I am bloated and sweating day and night my cholesterol jumped form 5.1 to 6.1 then after 3 months of following a fat free diet and exercing it jumped to 7.1. my blood pressure jumped up so now I am cholesterol tablets and blood pressure tablets maybe if I was on meds for thyroid I could come off the other meds.

[Hidden]

You are having to cope with an awful lot - I am so sorry. My cholesterol was up and I started on porridge each morning as well as my benecol drink. You can easily get this down - the benecol drink lowers it by 10% itself. Other friends of mine have got it down by changing diets. One friend reduced their pressure from 8.7 to 5.4 by porridge, brown bread and rice and giving up cakes and biscuits.

I am not into a fat free diet - tried it and gained weight. Sometimes low fat means high calories. I bought a book giving me the calories of every food. If I am trying to lose weight, I record each day what I am eating. It is a bit frightening but I do not cheat and I can see where I can cut down. I have learnt for example to drink a lot of water as it fills me up and I do not feel so hungry. It is worth trying it for a month as it makes you feel better taking control of your own health.

The bloating must be awful and I think you mentioned before constipation. Do try psyllium. It says take it with water although I take it with yoghurt. This will cleanse your colon and is an excellent natural laxative. It is cheaper on the internet than in a health shop.

Have you thought that your sweating may be caused because of your anxiety about the health problems you are enduring. If you start telling yourself I am going to take control from next Monday and change things then this may give you a lift.

You are absolutely right that one has to cope alone. I have to say that you are dealing with an awful lot at once - thyroid, blood pressure, cholesterol and all the side effects.

I had a period when I seemed to lose a lot of hair. Once I started on my health regime, supplements, psyllium, benecol, water etc, everything calmed down. My cholesterol went down to 4.8, blood pressure to 124/72.. What I am saying Ann is that it is possible so don't give up. Sadly, whilst your GP will give out pills, they will not give all the advice you need. You can do it. Try for 6 months, then have a blood test and I am sure you will be speaking to your GP about reducing your medication........ Take care, keep cheerful and believe in yourself.

[Hidden]

Thank you for your kind words and advice I am going to see my GP next week I am sure I will still be in the same position after I have seen him so I will take your advice and try and get healthy. the bit I dont understand is are you or can I do anything to prevent becoming either under active or over active or are we just waiting for this to happen and then we go on meds.