Hi I'm awaiting more tests after my TSH showed just over the upper limit (5.1 and my T4 the low end of normal) the dr ran this after I reported numbness and tingling along with chronic migraine and neck pain. My mum had this at my age and I feel, aha! That's it! But...
whilst I await the next lot of tests (in 3wks) I seem to suddenly be feeling better. Muscle pain migraine and fatigue and low energy suddenly lifted, I feel normal! This is great! But is this that hypo/hyper buildup that goes undetected? I feel keen to get a diagnosis sooner rather than later....
Does it mean I may have a long build up? My dr suspects autoimmune, I really want to know...Will it make a difference if I get tested whilst feeling well? Should I hold off until I feel groggy again?! I've been up and down like this for 3.5 years and I have tried everything holistically in my power, so if something underlying is going on I would like to know soon as possible as I have young children and struggling to enjoy them a lot of the time.
I'll be honest I've latched onto this possible unconfirmed diagnosis as unlocking what has been going on with me for sometime and I just feel so impatient to know for sure.
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Sedgie
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There are several dysfunctions of the thyroid gland and you may have one which is called Autoimmune Thyroid Disease and it's common name is hashimoto's. I shall give you a couple of links.
Your blood tests have to be the earliest possible, fasting (you can drink water) and if you were taking thyroid hormone replacements you'd allow 24 hours between last dose and test and take afterwards.
Ask your GP to check thyroid peroxidase antibodies. If positive it confirms autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto's) which causes 90% of hypothyroidism although it can take a long time to progress to hypothyroidism. Hashimoto's can cause fluctuations in symptoms. In the early days the lymphocytes infiltrating the thyroid gland destroy cells which dump thyroid hormone sometimes causing transient hyperthyroidism. After repeated infiltration the thyroid gland atrophies and becomes unable to produce sufficient hormone (hypothyroidism).
There is no cure for Hashimoto's treatment is for the low thyroid levels it causes. Many people have found that 100% gluten-free diet is helpful in reducing Hashi flares, symptoms and eventually antibodies.
Thank you so much. I didn't suspect thyroid last year (no hair loss, no weight concerns) but I did think I was getting something automune because of the inexplicable inflammation I felt in my head face neck and at times upper body and exhaustion
I went on a paleo diet after learning about Terry wahls story, and it really seemed to help the migraines. Of all the things I cut out gluten was the one I found benefitted me the most. I strayed with sugar and alcohol and other grains but never ever with the gluten. I totally buy that.
I will ask my GP tomorrow. Many thanks. I wonder if diet and LDN would be something I could do if antibodies are present. Any thoughts as to whether that's a good idea? Diet wise I will do anything but I need more help.
Gluten obviously because you know you've had benefit. Some members have cut dairy, eggs and sugar but I'm not a believer in unnecessarily restricting diet so I would perhaps try an elimination diet with one food group a time and then see whether you have problems reintroducing it 2-3 weeks later.
If you type LDN into the Search function top right of the page you'll see posts on LDN.
Yes dr said he thinks next time it will come back higher and likely it is autoimmune but not the reason why I feel ill. This was before he knew mum has it. So I'm really suspicious.
My mum never felt better for the hormone script so I'm naturally pragmatic about that! I feel diet and also some supplements really helped me last yr. I've stopped the supplements pending the tests but watching my diet. I need to function...
I know LDN may reduce autoimmune response so I am very interested if between that and diet I can head things off somewhat if; I continue in a subclinical zone (and if anti bodies come back present). And yes I will pay for a test if they don't run on with the TSH/T4.
Thanks for each and every reply it means a lot whilst I play the test waiting game. I feel so anxious to understand this and somewhat lost at the same time. My gut says that something is not right. I also have a firm lump on my thyroid I want looked at, I think it's on the thyroid anyway!
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Newbie with Hypo Symptoms. Tests norm. Please help :( 
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Graves lack of appetite & feeling very low. 
Thank you re: low T4 in spite of medication
