Could I have hypothyroidism? : I have had IBS... - Thyroid UK

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Could I have hypothyroidism?

7 Replies

I have had IBS symptoms for 2 years now, the main ones being severe constipation and fatigue. I've had a colonoscopy, endoscopy and laparoscopy etc and everything came back clear so my doctor has suggested a low dose antidepressent and yoga because he thinks it's all down to stress. I have been on prucalopride for a year but I'm so fed up of being given laxatives that don't seem to make any difference. I think I have had the standard TSH thyroid test which came back fine but I am now wondering whether I should ask to have further thyroid tests done as I seem to have every symptom for hypothyroidism except for weight gain. My symptoms are as follows:

- chronic constipation, bloating, fatigue, brittle hair/nails, achy joints, vitamin d deficiency, tingling in hands and feet, enlarged red blood cells, double vision, heavy periods and anxiety/depression - (mainly feeling down because of feeling ill all the time).

Thanks!

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7 Replies

Forgot to mention I also have ovarian cysts but wasn't diagnosed with PCOS!

Marz profile image
Marz

Could it be B12 ? Symptoms of B12 Deficiency do overlap with being Hypo ....

b12deficiency.info/signs-an...

in reply to Marz

I've recently been tested for B12 deficiency but my results came back normal

humanbean profile image
humanbean in reply to

Have you actually seen your results? If not, you should ask for a copy.

If your B12 level was 180 and the reference range was (180 - 900) you would be told your levels were normal. You might only feel well if your level was 800 - 900.

You really need copies of your results (for thyroid and nutrients) including the reference ranges. Once you have them, post them in a new post and ask for feedback.

in reply to humanbean

ok thank you, I am going back to the doctors this week so I will make sure to ask.

Marz profile image
Marz in reply to

Hidden - did you look at the link I posted ? Your reply was so speedy I do not think it would have been possible to read the signs and symptoms of B12 Deficiency. It may be helpful to have a good read of the whole website as GP's know very little about B12D. What Docs do not know about B12 can harm you - quote from Dr Carr :-)

Normal is an opinion and NOT a result. I spent years and years with being told my B12 was normal at around the 300 mark. Once I was educated about B12 I realised the very costly spinal surgery I endured in Germany in 2007 for stenosis was possibly a mis-diagnosis. When B12D is not treated it can cause neurological symptoms as the myelin sheath protecting the nerves

becomes damaged. I now have weekly B12 injections in the hope that I may heal the damage.

I live with the consequences ..... :-(

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator

You will see, time and time again on here lots of information and advice about importance of good levels of B12, folate, ferritin and vitamin D, low stomach acid, leaky gut and gluten connection to autoimmune Hashimoto's too.

Tingling in fingers may well be low B12. As humanbean says, if you are even just one point above bottom of the reference range, the GP will say "normal".

Have you also had folate and ferritin levels checked?

How much & what vitamin D are you taking? Have you been retested since?

ALWAYS Make sure you get the actual figures from tests (including ranges - figures in brackets). You are entitled to copies of your own results. Some surgeries make nominal charge for printing out.

Alternatively you can now ask for online access to your own medical records. Though not all surgeries can do this yet, or may not have blood test results available yet online.

mayoclinic.org/macrocytosis...

scdlifestyle.com/2012/08/13...

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