The past 7months or so I haven't been feeling amazing just one thing after another eventually saw my GP in January after a few scans and blood tests they've decided nothing's wrong... but I have lots of the symptoms of Hypothyroidism they've tested my TSH last week it's come back at 3.33 the doctor said no it's absolutely fine it's within the range. I have 7.5 hours sleep and wake up shattered, my periods are totally irratic (skipping them or lasting weeks), gaining weight while I'm eating healthy and exercising 5 times a week 45mins a time, my hair is shedding like crazy and I'll wake up in the middle of the night with horrible muscle cramps in my legs at least once a week. Do I just leave it and live with it as they've said there's nothing wrong or what else can I do?
Thyroid: The past 7months or so I haven't been... - Thyroid UK
Thyroid
No, it isn't actually 'fine'. He cannot tell with a TSH. So, welcome to our forum as it is mainly a 'Do It Yourself' way of trying to get diagnosed despite the Guidelines of the BTA, in that we haven't to be diagnosed until our TSH reaches 10!!!! In the USA or other countries we can be diagnosed with a TSH of 3+. Some links for you and members will be pleased to help you.
thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...
thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...
thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...
Blood tests should be TSH, T4, T3, Free T4, Free T3 and thyroid antibodies. You can get a private test from on of our recommended labs.
Your GP should check, B12, Vit D, iron, ferritin and folate so that everything is optimum. You could aks if he'd do the ones above but I doubt it.
If you also had antibodies present in your blood you would have an autoimmune Thyroid Disease called Hashimotos and, if so, going gluten free would help reduce the attack of the antibodies on your thyroid gland eventually becoming hypothyroid.
Blood tests have to be the very earliest possible, fasting, (you can drink water) and allow a 24 hour gap between the last dose of hormones and the test (if you're taking any). This helps keep the TSH at its highest as doctors adjust according to the TSH which may not make us feel too good.
Always get a print-out with the ranges for your own records and you can post if you have a query.
It's a lot to take in at once but just digest the info slowly. 
Thank you!! I've just logged on to the appointment booking page and there is an appointment for tomorrow morning so I'm going to try and speak with my GP then and see if I can make any progress
Many GPs have no knowledge other than think that if the TSH is anywhere within the range (up to 5) is o.k. They know absolutely nothing about clinical symptoms or that once diagnosed and given levo that our TSH should be below 1 according to Dr Toft ex President of the BTA.
Most gp's are not taught very much about thyroid and the royal college of physicians supports the view that TSH 'in range' is perfectly fine. If you get on well with your gp he/she may agree to the additional bloods, but many will find it hard to justify the cost with no perceived clinical reason. I am not supporting the medical profession, but personally have a sympathetic gp who orders what bloods he can but is unable to order ft3 so some I have to order privately. Good luck with your journey.
Hello,
Here is something you can try to educate your gp with.😊
I've been to the GP there going to run my TSH again and she also wants to do Vitamin D and some others so I'm going for them on Thursday so in theory by Friday I should know what's going on... does it matter what time my TSH is taken? I originally had it done at 2pm my appointment for Bloods is 10:20 is this too late? Should I re book and get an earlier time slot
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