Borderline hypothyroidism

[Kayt1]

I've been told that I'm close to hypothyroidism. I'm to get another blood test in a few months time. Right now I'm wondering what I can do. I'm not sure about the cause. I'm looking at improving my diet and exercise. Anyone else in the same boat or have experience of this?

[puncturedbicycle]

Do you have raised antibodies? If so, you have Hashimoto's and will eventually need meds. Do you have a copy of your latest blood test results? That would help to figure out what's going on.

Some stuff you can do in the interim:

1) ensure your vit d, b12, iron, ferritin and folate are good. If you're low in anything get some supplements and start getting those nutrients in good nick.

2) some folk feel a gluten-free diet suits better, esp if you have autoimmune disease (raised antibodies) and selenium can also reduce inflammation if this applies to you.

3) you may be able to wheedle a trial of thyroxine out of your doc, depending on what your bloods look like and if you're symptomatic.

4) always get copies of your blood test results and keep them safe as they will be helpful down the road.

Hope that helps.

[Kayt1 in reply to puncturedbicycle]

Hi Puncturedbicycle,

I was not given a copy of my results. The doctor just told me the news that was it. In the past I have had some anaemia but that's okay now. My menstruation cycle is now all messed up.

[puncturedbicycle in reply to Kayt1]

Yes, you have to ask for a copy, they don't offer them.

As you can see, if you have no copy it's impossible to know what's going on w your health. 'Borderline' could mean your tsh is 9.9, or it could mean it's 4.5, but we don't know. Under certain conditions your doc can give you a discretionary trial of levo and see how you respond, but if you don't have your results you don't have a case to argue. We also don't know how 'okay' your anaemia is (if your iron is just within range you can feel awful, it needs to be higher), and if your periods are disturbed this could be getting worse.

You will need to get a copy of each set of test results as you go along, it will be a huge help in understanding what is wrong w you and how to help yourself, and some things are an easy fix.

[Bioluminence in reply to Kayt1]

sounds to me like you are symptomatic....id go back and see if you can get a trial as punctured bicycle has suggested...this could be me a year ago!

[Hidden]

Kayt1 - it's so horrible being in the dark. Have just been through very much what you are experiencing. ASK FOR YOUR RESULTS - it feels a bit daunting as the receptions say they'll need to check with the doctor, but without the information everything is guesswork.

Because I am slim (ish) when I went to Docs in mid Dec she thought it was unlikely. When I eventually got the results early in the new year and did my own checking here with the help of HU I realised that I was suffering and it wasn't just in my head. I also could see that back in May 15 I was close to top of TSH range - that was when I first went to GP, and was told could be menopause.

It feels like a minefield to start - get the results and ask folks here for views, then ask for additional tests (i.e Free T4/T3 and both antibodies). People here really do know more than most GPs.

Wishing you strength and improved health. If you do have Hashi's then better to know sooner

[Bioluminence]

hello Kayt, diet , exercise and supplements are always a good way to help the body to recover....i was borderline too then i went hypothyroid...im still not properly medicated...thats a long story.

did your GP test? do you have your test results? any ideas on T3 or T4 levels?...might be worth getting tested with Blue Horizon who will give you these readings....

then once you have those you can post them here and there are people who are able to help interpret them....i still struggle with it myself! but theres people here who have a greater understanding of the whole issue than the average GP

Vitamin B12, D, and iron/folate are always being advised....and i went gluten free basically because i was feeling so rough...it helps a lot and isn't that difficult really

good luck xx

[SewingBee]

It is probably best if you don't do anything as it may affect your next blood test. I know it's brutal but even if you find that you're struggling at work its best you take time off and wait for your blood tests. Only my opinion!

[Hidden]

I was symptomatic and borderline for a good year before it kicked in fully. At least your gp has flagged it early which is good as mine just told me its normal and to go away. Wasn't until years later I obtained a copy which indicated my t4 was at the bottom of the range even back in 2009. I would say try and get a printed copy of your results with ranges and post it here so people can help. Even if you do improve your vitamin levels it will happen eventually anyhow.