Back from GP after long discussion and results.

[Skk001]

Hi everyone , I'm just back from a long chat with my GP. I posted here the other day asking for some guidance as I'd just started tablets and was totally confused about what the GP had told me and symptoms I was having.

After today's discussion I'm still anxious as hell!

The GP has told me that my blood test results showed "profound hypothyroidism" . I asked her for the results and all she has given me this info ....

serum TSH 87.9 mIU /L (normal range 0.27-4.2)

Serum Free T4 2.6 PMOL/L ( normal range 12-22)

GP has asked for more blood tests to be done which the appointment is in 2 weeks. Also I need to have a ultrasound scan on my throat. GP couldn't feel anything out of the ordinary but I told her that my snoring has got BAD.

As I said before I'm really anxious and confused at how this has suddenly become apparent. The GP said she was surprised I'm still functioning ok!

Could all of this been brought on by pregnancy ? I've always felt "different" after having my son 3 yrs ago but just put it down to sleepless nights and being a working mum.

[Clutter]

Skk001,

Puberty, pregnancy and menopause are common triggers for hypothyroidism. TSH 87 is very high because FT4 2.6 is so low. It will take time for Levothyroxine to raise FT4 which is ideal >16 at which point TSH will likely have dropped to 1.0 or lower.

Hard to say what blood tests your GP has ordered but the only other thyroid tests she is likely to have ordered are FT3 (which is rarely ordered unless TSH is suppressed <0.1), and thyroid peroxidase antibodies which cause 90% of hypothyroidism.

Thyroid ultrasound scan will measure the size of your thyroid gland and show its general condition ie atrophy or damage due to autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's), and any nodules and cysts on the gland.

There's no need for anxiety about having hypothyroidism, it is a manageable condition once dose and levels are optimised. Patients with very high TSH at diagnosis often respond better to treatment than patients with mildly abnormal TSH.

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

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

[Skk001 in reply to Clutter]

Thank you for replying so quickly . My anxiety levels at the moment are sky high due to family illness and with this diagnoses of my own, I'm struggling a bit .

The GP mentioned B12 test and also an antibodies test ? And I'm sure she said a diabetes test ?!

[Clutter in reply to Skk001]

Skk001,

Low thyroid hormone can increase anxiety which should improve as thyroid replacement takes effect and thyroid levels improve. It may be worth looking for ways to manage stress and reduce anxiety too.

Positive thyroid peroxidase antibodies confirms autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's) as the cause of hypothyroidism.

Hypothyroid patients are often low or deficient in ferritin, vitamin D, B12 and folate so it's good to have these checked. HbA1c is the blood test for diabetes.

[shaws]

Your TSH is high and, as you rightly point out, it could be caused by your pregnancy three years ago. Go to the question dated September 11, 2004 to read the question:

web.archive.org/web/2010103...

Due to the fact that the hormones gradually diminish before we are finally diagnosed we are unaware that we are becoming slowly unwell and you might have put it down to baby and working too. Some have even been given other diagnoses (I have) as they might never have had a blood test for thyroid hormones but will have been given prescriptions for the 'symptom(s) we complain about.

I have looked at your profile and you've only been taking levothyroxine for three weeks and your GP will have to increase it by 25mcg every six weeks until your TSH lowers to 1 or lower. Some doctors think that once you reach anywhere in range that we're on sufficient hormones and stop increases which doesn't bode well for our health.

With your FT4 being so low, it might mean that you don't have sufficient T3 yet to make you feel much better. It is a slow progress but when you get to an optimum you should feel much better.

Your GP should also check Vitamin B12, Vit d, iron, ferritin and folate as we can be deficient. Check antibodies too if not been tested.

[Skk001 in reply to shaws]

The article in the link you have attached makes perfect sense!

And yes , what you have suggested I'm sure is all being checked on the next bloods . Many thanks for your reply !