Advice needed on treatment

[katyw]

Hi- please could I get some advice on my thyroid issue. I'm really struggling and have all the symptoms of hypothyrodism with a painful swollen thyroid. I have had this for nearly a year now (I have been poorly for two years diagnosed with M.E and POTS) I'm seriously considering buying NDT online and self medicating. Could k get some advice if this is the right thing to do based on my results. TIA x

[greygoose]

Well, your TSH says that you're hypo, but your FT3 says that you're euthyroid. Bit strange, really. Your FT4 is also very low. Is it possible that the lab made a mistake on the FT3? Because it really doesn't tie up with the other two results and your symptoms.

[Clutter]

KatyW, Low T3 is usually the reason for hypothyroid symptoms. Your FT3 is almost top of the range but your TSH is high and your FT4 low which indicate thyroid problems. I really don't think NDT or other thyroid replacement will be at all helpful while your FT3 is high. It will increase your FT3 and probably make you feel very hyper.

Painful swollen thyroid gland suggests an autoimmune thyroid attack (Hashimoto's) or subacute thyroiditis which may be caused by a virus or bacterial infection. Both can kill off thyroid cells initially and dump hormone in to the blood as they die off and may be why your FT3 is high. Hashimoto's will eventually destroy the thyroid gland and cause hypothyroidism. Subacute thyroiditis may cause transient hypothyroidism for a few weeks after a hyper period and although there may be recurrences it usually self resolves within 2 years.

I suggest you order thyroid peroxidase (TPOab) and thyroglobulin (TgAb) antibody tests to confirm or rule out Hashimoto's. Post the results in a new question and members will advise.

Ask your GP to order an ultrasound scan of your thyroid. Hashimoto's damage is often evident even when antibodies are negative and the scan will show the size and condition of your thyroid gland.

[katyw]

Thank you for your replies.

I don't think there is a mistake, it was with Genova diagnostics which I thought was a reputable lab.

I have researched and read up and I can only think the problem is due to pooling and with the reverse t3. Even though the results say I have an optimum level of T3 it could be pooling so I'm not actually getting that amount. The problem is, how to treat that?

I have had an ultrasound and the TPO and TgAb antibodies tested and it was all ok. I'm stumped.

Whatever, I need to do something as the thyroid issues are getting worse and my symptoms highly debilitating (mainly bedbound)

K xx