Could I have Hashi's

[Patf]

I am new here, this is my 1st post. I can't get a diagnosis, nor anyone to listen to me but suspect I have an auto immune condition . I just wondered if anyone could give me their opinion based on my symptoms and the few blood tests I have managed to have done? Tests :-

TSH

2/5/14 - 1.00 (range 0.20 - 6)

16 /5/14 - 1.9

10 /6/14 - 2.00

14/7/14 - 1.4

28/11/14- 2.2

Vit D was 33

High ferritin with normal iron uptake which underneath was added "points to inflammation"

T4

14/7/14 - 14

28/11/14 - 14.7 (range 10 - 20)

Thyroid peroxidase

28/11/14 - 33.8 (range <60) I notice in other hospitals this is 34?

I have a multi nodular goitre as seen on a scan and 2 siblings with thyroid problems

Here are my symptoms:- Thinning hair, body hair loss, fatigue, muscle aches, joint pains, low basal temp (usually 35. something), flaking nails, dry skin, high cholesterol, high blood pressure (both recent), loss of libido, don't sleep well, cold hands/feet, get very hot then can't cool down.

I had 2 endo appointments with 2 drs, the 1st said I had CFS but ordered some tests, the 2nd (4 mths later) was with a different endo who said all my bloods were normal and discharged me. I asked about the goitre, he examined my neck and said my thyroid was swollen and yes, I did have a goitre but it wouldn't be affecting my health? Not 1 of those endocrinologists asked about my symptoms.

I am 57 and am through the menopause.

Any thoughts would be great.

Pat

[Clutter]

Welcome to the forum, Patf.

Although your symptoms could indicate hypothyroidism your TSH and FT4 results don't indicate a thyroid problem and you are negative for autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's). Ranges do differ across the country but so do testing mechanisms so you can't assume that because another range starts at 34 you would be positive for Hashimoto's at that lab/area.

TSH fluctuates according to circadian rhythms and is highest early in the morning and lowest around 13.00 so different time of day when testing affects TSH considerably and we advise people to have thyroid blood tests early in the morning. Your T4 could be higher but has improved and isn't low enough to suggest thyroid dysfunction.

Unfortunately, symptoms can precede abnormal bloods by months/years and it isn't likely you will get a diagnosis or treatment until TSH is >6 or FT4 is <10.

VitD 33 is low and can cause musculoskeletal pain, fatigue and mood. Some doctors prescribe at that level but usually not enough. VitD3 is inexpensive and easily available over the counter or online. I prefer softgel capsules but sprays are also available. I recommend supplementing 5,000iu daily for 6-8 weeks to build levels and then cut back to 5,000iu on alternate days and get into the sun as much as possible.

High ferritin usually means inflammation somewhere in the body. It can be caused by a cold or virus at the time of testing but it may be an idea to have a follow up test 4-6 months later.

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/diagno...

[Patf in reply to Clutter]

Thank you Clutter, I know my tests are "normal" but as I have a multi-nodular goitre and my basal temperature is low (plus the fact I have siblings with thyroid problems) along with the symptoms I wondered if it would be worth me getting a full thyroid blood test done including T3 and Tgab?

[Clutter in reply to Patf]

Pat, Enough members have negative TPOab but positive TgAb to make me think it is worth testing but even if you are positive you won't get treatment until your TSH or FT4 are out of range. I think your FT4 would be below range if your FT3 was deficient. I doubt you'll get FT3 or TgAb on the NHS but you can order private tests from Blue Horizon and Genova via thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

[Patf in reply to Clutter]

Thank you for that. My bloods were taken early morning and I was going through a phase of feeling relatively well, however , my symptoms seem to be flaring up again. I was a bit worried re the multi-nodular goitre. Do the blood tests go through the GP? Where do you have your bloods drawn if not? Sorry for all the questions!

[Clutter in reply to Patf]

Pat, Blue Horizon and Genova do home finger prick kits, or you can use private phlebotomy services or pay for phlebotomy at your local hospital. I believe Blue Horizon send patients their results but Genova have recently changed practice and send results to TUK. Information should be on their individual sites or in the link I posted. Results are not sent to your GP and it is up to you whether or not to provide them to your GP.