Need help!

[jodes9709]

Hi guys, I've posted on here once before. Basically, I was diagnosed with an under active thyroid when I was around 14 but was never told anything about. I'm now 17 and I've done all the research myself and educated myself on what it is as I've never really had a great doctor who's explained it to me.

I've just come back from a docs appointment after having a blood test to test my thyroid function.

My T4 was normal? But my TSH was abnormal and my doctor suggested that I have a thyroid scan and a test to rule out hashimotos? (Question marks meaning I don't understand)

He was also questioning why I'd have an abnormal TSH if I'm 17. He was asking if I'd ever been pregnant which I haven't.

Just wondering if anybody could help me out and help me try to understand.

Thanks

[Clutter]

Jodes9709, Age is no barrier to hypothyroidism, your GP should know that. Levothyroxine should be taken with water one hour before or two hours after food and drink for maximum absorption, two hours away from other medication and supplements and 4 hours away from iron, calcium, vitamin D and oestrogen. If TSH has risen despite observing the above, your original dose is insufficient and you need a dose increase.

Puberty, pregnancy and menopause are frequent hormonal triggers for hypothyroidism. Sounds like puberty may have triggered yours.

Autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's) causes 90% of hypothyroidism. An ultrasound will show whether your thyroid gland is enlarged or atrophied and whether the texture is coarse or smooth and whether there are any thyroid nodules. Coarsened texture and a small gland are typical of Hashimoto's attacks on the gland. A thyroid peroxidase antibody blood test, and sometimes thyroglobulin antibody blood test confirm whether antibodies are present.

It's good practice to ask for a printout of your thyroid results with the lab reference ranges (the figures in brackets after your results) to monitor your levels. If you post the results and lab ref ranges in a new question members can advise whether you are optimally medicated and answer questions you may have.

These links may help explain hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's further.

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

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