What tests to ask for now - please :-) - Thyroid UK

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What tests to ask for now - please :-)

Breezydawn profile image
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At my last (and final) consult with endo I had bloods done (results I've posted) and in follow up letter to GP she requested I had bloods done every 6 months due to TSH receptor antibody positivity (no idea what that's about) and because I have nodules on remaining left side of thyroid, I need to know what tests to push for as I'm not feeling great. Various symptoms but mainly continual tiredness, short tempered, hot/cold, easily stressed/agitated, also a bit bizarre but I get bad irritation on right shoulder that I need to scratch to pieces and a general feeling of blurghhhhhhh!! some days I feel hypo others I feel hyper - I've put a brief history on my profile so hope that helps.

Hit me with a list and I'll see what I can get hahaha.

Thank you in anticipation XX

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Breezydawn
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Ansteynomad profile image
Ansteynomad

I was about to,post exactly the same. It really is deplorable.

Hello Breezydawn,

I'm sorry to hear that you feel so unwell.Have you had your thyroid antibodies tested?

Ask your GP to test TPOAb & TGAb as high levels would indicate Hashimotos and account for all your symptoms including going hot & cold.

Flower

Breezydawn profile image
Breezydawn

Thank you all :-) My endo was less than useless and completely unsympathetic or interested during all of my consults. I literally had to beg for those last lot of tests before she discharged me from her clinic. I haven't actually seen a GP since but obviously need to see one now to get bloods done so want to get as much info as possible to make sure appropriate bloods are done. I did wonder about Hashimotos Flower, is it worth asking about B12, ferritin, folate ..... or anything else?

Thanks again x

in reply to Breezydawn

Absolutely Breezydawn.

Deficiencies in Vit D, Vit B12, folate and ferritin are common in people with thyroid issues and low levels can interfere with thyroid meds working.

The medical establishment do not place enough emphasise on the importance of nutrition in any illness but with thyroid issues it is especially important because thyroid hormones effect every cell in our bodies & rely on optimal nutrienal levels for synthesis.

I don't know why your endo was testing Thyroid stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI) used to measure the ability of IgG to bind to TSH receptor cell. It is more commonly used to diagnose & manage Graves Disease but your symptoms point to Hashimotos. TSI's can either stimulate the thyroid (Graves) or block the TSH receptor (Hashi). Hashimotos is usually diagnosed by testing TPOAb & TGAb.

Doctors often show complacency over testing thyroid antibodies because there is no additional offered treatment. It is up to ourselves to become educated and endeavour to reduce high levels through gluten free dieting and various supplements.

Your celiac disease results are negative (previous post) but a positive diagnosis would require a biopsy anyway. I assume you have gut issues and these could be down to low thyroid hormone which encourages inflammation by decreasing stomach acid & enzymes. Lack of stomach acid will encourage IBS, gut dybolsis and malabsorption of nutrients. Autoimmune thyroid antibodies also interfere with the production of bile acids by the liver. I have to supplement Betaine HP, digestive enzymes and bilary support.

If you are oestrogen dominant, this can increase thyroid binding proteins in the blood stream making your thyroid test results look normal even though there is INSUFFICIENT thyroid hormones.

Lack of progesteresterone can also increase cortisol-binding globulin which will make available (active) cortisol low. (Only active cortisol can pass through cell membranes and activate receptors inside the cells and only a saliva stress test will show this.) It will also impair adrenal output by interfering with the release of cortisol from the adrenal cortex. Cortisol is made from progesterone and will steal to keep supplies going, compromising progesterone levels further. However if cortisol is high it can block progesterone receptors, making them less responsive.

Low/high cortisol will also interfere with thyroid function decreasing TSH, lowering thyroid production, inhibiting T4-T3 conversion & increasing T4-RT3 conversion. It will also indirectly effect blood sugar levels.

With regard to your remaining nodules on left side... most are fine & will hopefully not require any further treatment.

Your issues are complicated and if I were you I would be looking for another endo referral. Through the National Health "choose & book" scheme, you can choose any endo you wish to be referred to. You could put another post up asking for members for advice on sympathetic endos in area postcode ------- or email louise.warvill@thyroiduk.org.uk for a list of sympathetic endos/doctors that members have had positive experiences with. Be aware many of these are private.

Good luck

Flower

Cortisol & thyroid connection

hypothyroidmom.com/cortisol...

Ovarian, adrenal & thyroid axis

drlam.com/articles/ovarian_...

Although you don't have a Hashi diagnosis, the connection between the thyroid hormones & menstrual cycle is the same. This link explains it beautifully.

hashimotoshealing.com/hashi...

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional and this information is not intended to be a substitute for medical guidance from your own doctor. Please check with your personal physician before applying any of these suggestions.

Breezydawn profile image
Breezydawn

Thanks Flower, not had time to check out links yet it's been a manic week. Hopefully will get chance to have a look before booking appointment to see Dr this next week.

Will let you know how I get on.

Breezydawn x

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