what can be done when borderline hypo?

[mstp]

My daughter has been told by her GP that she is borderline hypothyroid and that she will test her again in three months to see if any treatment is needed. She is also anaemic so is taking some iron tablets. She is going on a big holiday after Christmas and would like some help before she goes as she is still feeling tired, despite the iron. Does anyone have any idea of something she can use that would support her thyroid a little to keep her going before she receives a final diagnosis? Her TSH is 7 so I am pretty sure she is far more than borderline hypo but I am reluctant to offer her any advice based on my experience because I am not medically qualified, she might not respond the way I did and I am too close to be objective.

[Hidden]

Hello mstp,

Does your daughter test positive for thyroid antibodies?

Many GP's will treat a TSH>5 if antibodies are present and patient is symptomatic.

Otherwise they treat when TSH reaches >10.

Low iron levels are common in hypothyroidism and many members supplement with good results (I don't) so hopefully someone may be able to advise of a recommended iron supplement. Always take with Vit C as it increases absorption.

Flower

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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 before applying any of these suggestions.

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[shaws Administrator]

It is absolutely ridiculous that her GP will not prescribe until her TSH reaches 10. UK is the only one in the world which insists on this although some sympathetic GPs will prescribe when above 5 with symptoms.

Research has been done quite often I believe which shows that if our TSH is above 2 or 3 we should be given hormones.

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/thyroi...

If you email [e-mail] and ask what they would advise.

I personally think it is ridiculous that your daughter is suffering and why wouldn't a young person want to be just the same as her friends. Happy and full of life.

This is the 'real' interpretation of results and I think you'll be surprised.

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

[Hidden]

If she is anaemic it will take a while for her iron levels to rise despite supplementation, and she will continue to feel tired from this - let alone the rest! Is she taking vit D these dark months?

Clearly she is hypo too.

Are there are any clear reasons why she has slipped into anaemia? Nutrient deficiencies seldom come alone, so she is probable also deficient in other things. Personally I wouldn't try treating the thyroid with anything yet, she will be treated in the end, but I would think hard about the nutritional issues and whether she might have any of the many gut problems associated with hypothyroidism. (Which you or other relatives might also have.)

[HarryE]

The trouble is that if she takes anything to support her thyroid (like NutriThyroid for example) it will affect her TSH & make it even less likely for her to get a diagnosis. And I was almost dead with a TSH of 4, so in my opinion subclinical is just a cop out to avoid doing anything. If you have symptoms you are 'clinical'

So you either push for a diagnosis on antibodies as stated in another reply, or get on & DIY

[Glynisrose]

None of us are medically qualified but have experience of real life not books! I do not believe there is any such thing as 'borderline' is that like being a teensy bit pregnant or a tiny bit diabetic?

[mstp]

Thank you everyone for all your helpful comments. I have passed them onto my daughter and hopefully she will return to her GP for some treatment. I really do appreciate you all taking the time to respond to my query. x