Thyroid symptoms blood test normal

[Laralou29]

Hi everyone. I had a baby 18 months ago and since then I have not been the same. It started off 4 weeks after birth with extreme fatigue irritability and general feeling unwell so I had blood tests which showed low ferritin. my ferritin worked its way back up but still the fatigue continues. I have had blood test after blood test including thyroid and they come back normal. My symptoms are fatigue, sleep problems, irritability, low mood, stomach issues (ibs) brain fog, no sex drive, feeling hot especially at night, light periods, low bmi can't put on weight, anxiety. I don't have the swollen neck though. How can I have most symptoms but normal blood test results?! I don't know what else to do it's been 18 months now and I still don't feel normal.

[shaws Administrator]

Hi laralou

The first thing to do is get a print-out of your latest blood test results from the surgery, with the ranges, we are entitled.

Post them on a new question for comments. Giving birth does sometimes bring on problems with your thyroid gland. Sometimes it can rectify itself but it seems you haven't. It must have been extremely difficult for you with a new baby too.

With most illnesses, we are pleased when the doctor says 'normal' but not with the thyroid gland. We don't want normal - what we want is low, very low or suppressed, TSH and a T3 and T4 towards the upper level of the range whichever makes us feel 'normal'. They rarely check T3 which I find strange considering it is the Active thyroid hormone we require in all of our receptor cells.

When you go for a blood test for your thyroid gland, leave 24 hours between levo and the test which should be as early as possible, taking levo afterwards. If your GP hasn't also done B12, Vit D, iron, ferritin and folate ask for these too, as we are usually deficient.

We are entitled to copies of our blood tests and you should get one each time for your own records and so that you can post if you have a query. Any supplements/medications should be taken 4 hours apart.

[Laralou29]

Thanks so much for your reply. I'm going back tomorrow so I'll get copies of results and speak to them again about what tests I have had done

[Jackie]

Hi Make sure you were tested for TSH, T4 and free GT3. If not use an on line Lab. i use Blue Horizon, there is a finger prick test, all DIY,,The Lab is well recognised by most docs.

best wishes for mother and baby,

Jackie