Hypo help please!

[Naomilou82]

Hi all,

I'd love some advice/help please. I've been having symptoms of hypo for around 4 years (anaemia, anxiety, depression, lactation, weight gain, brittle nails, fatigue etc) but tests have always shown TSH within 'normal' range. I've just had the results from Blue Horizon come through with Free T3 and T4 showing as being at the lower end of the scale. Is it worth another trip to the GP or is there something else I can do? I've eliminated gluten already a few months ago. If anyone can help, I'd be massively grateful.

Thank you! 

[shaws Administrator]

Unfortunately our UK doctors have been told to take notice of the TSH alone, which leaves thousands of people suffering unduly due to their clinical symptoms which should be the prime reason for a trial of thyroid hormones but it is forbidden!

You are correct about your FT4 and FT3 being at the bottom of the scale. If your GP wont prescribe levothyroxine to allow your FT4 and FT3 to rise towards the upper end of the scale you might have to resort to self-medicating. 4 years is a long time to stagger along hoping TSH will eventually reach the magic 10. It might never do, in the meantime you are left to suffer disabling symptoms. 

This is a link from Thyroiduk.org.uk and you can either send it to your GP to absorb the info and ask him afterwards if you can have a trial of levothyroxine for three months. That doesn't mean a low dose but an increasing dose to see how you are with hormone replacement.

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

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

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

If he hasn't tested B12, Vit D, iron, ferritin and folate ask for these as we are usually deficient.

[Naomilou82 in reply to shaws]

Thank you!