help!

[oscbar]

Hi, I have had thyroxine for an underactive thyroid now for nearly a year and my blood tests keep coming back normal but I still have many of the symptoms I first went to the doctor with. Is anybody else experiencing this?

My initial symptoms were very typical, feeling tired and cold all the time, hair loss, not being able to lose weight, bloatedness, constipation, headaches, migraine, anxiety/depression issues. Apart from relieving the feeling of being cold all the time I still have all these symptoms.

I have asked to have my dopamine levels checked but again came back normal.

I am beginning to despair, my GP has been fantastic and tried different medications etc but isn't sure how else to treat me, and I don't know where to turn next.

Would appreciate any information anyone has.....

[shaws Administrator]

Hi Oskbar

First thing is to get a print-out of your blood tests for your thyroid gland, with the ranges and post on a new question for comments.

The British Thyroid Association have told GP's not to medicate if TSH is below 10 but the GP should take into account your clinical symptoms. There is no such thing as 'normal' when dealing with the thyroid gland as we are all different and the TSH should really only be used as a guide but unfortunately GPs are unaware of this.

You do have clinical symptoms and you should have been given levothyroxine to try to help your clinical symptoms.

Some have to have a private consultation if GP not willing to treat if TSH is under 10.

If you haven't had a Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, iron, ferritin and folate tested, ask for these to be done and then post all of the blood results at one time.

[oscbar in reply to shaws]

Thank you for your quick response.

I'm seeing my GP later today so will ask for the print out.

I am currently on 125mcg of Levothyroxine but it just doesn't seem to be making the symptoms any better apart from I don't feel cold anymore. I also have RLS and this has improved but still not gone away.

I have had a FBC but, again, all came back negative.

[greygoose in reply to oscbar]

What you really need is an FT3 test. That is the only one that gives any useful information about your thyroid status. I'll take a wild guess - as you didn't give any détails - and say you're not converting. That's what it sounds like if you are on 125 levo and have had no relief from symptoms.

Hugs, grey