Hello all
I'm wondering if anyone can offer me some advice please? My last 3 blood tests that I am borderline underactive thyroid? I had my last blood test a good few months ago should I ask for another? Also my maternal grandmother had underactive thyroid, my mother over active thyroid, my eldest daughter has been recently diagnosed as underactive and is being treated. Can thyroid problems run in families?
Lynneh2671 Yes, it can run in families. Do you have your test results, with reference ranges? You are entitled to a print out of them under the Data Protection Act, but as they are old results I'm not sure you can get them now but it's worth asking.
Also, ask for a new test, get the results and put them in a new thread for members to comment, include the reference ranges (usually in brackets) as they differ from lab to lab.
Thank you ...they've only ever said it's borderline...3 times, I'm just wondering if it's borderline will I not have treatment for it I guess?
No, they won't treat borderline. This is why you need your results, to see exactly where you are within the range. And if they show your TSH rising it shows your thyroid is starting to struggle.
If you have been tested for thyroid antibodies and they are high, meaning you are positive for autoimmune thyroid disease, which will eventually lead to full blown Hypothyroidism, some endos start treatment with Levo 'to nip things in the bud'
thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/diagno...
Ah I see thank you for replying. I've only ever seen a Gp and not any specialist my Gp doesn't seem very concerned to be honest but I am and get very tired and piling on weight like there's no tomorrow! I am also in vitamin b12 injections and folic acid as these were low, dunno if this is at all connected.
Lynneh2671 Hypothyroidism is usually treated by GPs but sometimes we are referred to an endocrinologist, more often with autoimmune thyroid disease.
A lot of is Hypos are low or deficient in nutrients. As your B12 and Folate were low, there's a good chance that your Ferritin and Vit D are as well. Ask for them to be tested, along with thyroid antibodies - Thyroid Peroxidase is tested by NHS but there are also Thyroglobulin antibodies but they're rarely tested which is ridiculous as you can be negative for TPO but positive for TG.
Oh thank you for your excellent advice and taking the time to reply to me that's great
As SeasideSusie says, 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, (they are obliged to ASAP) or may not have blood test results available yet online.
My GP kept saying I was borderline, and I was feeling worse and worse. I eventually paid a private GP for another opinion, and she referred me to an endocrinologist. He told me that my TSH level was very high, indicating that my thyroid gland was struggling. He prescribed Levothyroxine for me, my own GP wasn't happy, but I began to feel better almost straight away. I can't say it's helped my weight gain though.
What exactly was tested that was borderline ? It could have been just the TSH - which is a small part of the story.
Even if the TSH is in range which Docs consider * normal * - it is possible to have low in range T4 & T3. Those are rarely tested. You need the FULL story.
Low FT3 is the cause of so many symptoms ....
Thank you all for your replies....it was just a blood test at the GP surgery for thyroid that's all I know and that it's been borderline 3 times. I was having terrible problems with sites in my mouth so my dentist advised me to go for a full blood count where the vitamin b12 and folic weee low. Is it possible to have some but not all of the symptoms? Because my hair isn't thin or thinning mind you neither is my daughters and at mom she is on 75mg thyroxine and has app tom to see GP
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