New to forum... subclinical hypothyroidism advice please

[mrsc2784]

Long story short, I've been to the Dr's and complained about general tiredness and aches and pains, which are more than just general stresses of everyday life, putting weight on (1 1/2 stone in 6 months after losing nearly 3 stone). He decided to do bloods - I've had the results today and they said I am borderline for hypothyroidism, and that I should have the test repeated in 3 months, but that they would class me as having 'subclinical hypothyroidism'. Is there anything I should be altering in my lifestyle to help?

[Clutter]

Welcome to the forum, Mrsc2784.

Your GP will be wanting to repeat the test to confirm subclinical hypothyroidism in case non-thyroidal illness like a cold or virus has caused the initial high TSH reading. Book your next test as early in the morning as possible when TSH is highest and fast before the the blood draw as TSH is lower after eating.

Ask for thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin antibodies to be tested too to rule out or confirm autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's) as a cause of hypothyroidism. 90% of hypothyroidism is caused by Hashimoto's and this can sometimes be managed and antibodies reduced by adopting a gluten-free diet. If you have any digestive issues like wind, bloating, constipation or diarrhoea g-f can be beneficial even if antibodies aren't present.

You could also ask your GP to test ferritin, vitamin D, B12 and folate as deficient/low levels present musculoskeletal pain, fatigue and low mood similar to hypothyroid symptoms and are common in the months preceding a hypothyroid diagnosis.

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

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

[Faquestions in reply to Clutter]

Please don't go Gluten Free straight away if you are having gastric symptoms ask for a Coeliac test always before going Gluten Free if you are symptomatic. If you remove gluten you will get a false result x

From a Coeliac Hashimoto's

[mrsc2784]

Thank you for your replies.

I did have a cold at the beginning of the year and when I went to the Dr's a fortnight ago they tried me with anti inflammatory tablets to see if it would help shake the aches and pains if they were post viral. They didn't improve much and were just as bad when I stopped the course.

I did have the blood taken in the afternoon so is it possible that I've had a false reading if it is best in the morning?

I had a coeliac screen about a year ago as I have pelvic pain and they wanted to rule out any GI cause, (although they still haven't got to the bottom of that!). I suppose it could change but I don't have any dietary issues with intolerance or digestive issues. I loosely follow the slimming world plan (don't go to the meetings) , which is why I'm frustrated by the weight gain.

My GP did do a Ferritin check as it was at the lower end of normal last year. All of the bloods I had this time were in the normal range except for the thyroid function, although I don't know the actual levels - can I get these from my GP? I think he requested a CRP, ESR and FBC to rule out inflammation.

My symptoms are: fatigue, aches and pains, weight gain, feeling cold all the time and irritable.