What should I test for?

[Jackie101]

The Dr at the chronic fatigue clinic has demanded I have another TSH test to 'rule out' hypothyroidism. I think it's a waste of time, but please can anyone advise what I should get tested for? It's already been suggested that I test for vitamins B & D.

Thank you

[greygoose]

But I thought you had a diagnosis of hypo, as they were prescribing levo. So, if your TSH is 'normal', it's because you're taking the levo.

What you really need are :

TSH

FT4

FT3

TPOab

TgAB

vit D

vit B12

folate

ferritin

But it's doubtful the NHS will do all that. Why not get a private test, so that you can see where you really are. The TSH will tell you nothing once you're on thyroid hormone replacement, unless it goes high. But, even if it's 'normal', you could still be hypo if your FT3 is low.

[radd]

Jackie,

NDT will suppress TSH levels as will adequate doses of levothyroxine.

You need T4 & more importantly T3 to be tested as this is the active hormone.

For many thyroid hormone replacement doesn't work well without optimal levels of Vit B12, Vit D, folate and ferritin. Iron is wholly important as is used in the conversion of T4-T3 and low levels may decrease thyroid hormone activity. These should be tested and low levels supplemented.

Also thyroid antibodies TPOAb and TGAb as elevated levels will cause inflammation in the body, impairing thyroid hormone and eventually causing other illness.

When GP's are uncooperative, members use private labs. Post any test results complete with ranges (numbers in brackets) for members to comment.

.

Private labs testing

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

[Jackie101 in reply to radd]

Thankyou very much for the info but I can't afford a private test due to Unemployment caused by this illness. I've been researching and think I have adrenal fatigue. It's just so rubbish that Dr's aren't listening to us or the Dr's that know what's going on such as Peatfield & Lowe

[ChristinaT]

According to the nice guidelines it is recognised that a B12 defixiency (for example) is associated with various endocrine disorders, hypothyroidism being one cause, so if it's been accepted that you're being treated for hypothyroidism then really your GP should be inclined to carry out further testing for B12 and Vitamin D. However in practice this is not always the case as a lot of people here have experienced for themselves. I'm not sure your cfs clinic will necessarily test you for these, as far as I'm aware this isn't common practice. if you're able to then great but otherwise its down to your GP. You may or may not have adrenal issues but it's almost guaranteed that if you've got thyroid issues you're more than likely to have some sort of nutrtional deficiencies aswell. I second what greygoose has suggested, those are the things you really want looking into first and foremost. If you have other symptoms such as pins, needles, numbless, memory loss, breathlessness, appetite changes in addition to fatigue, specify them to your GP. (All classic symptoms of nutritional deficiencies)