Tests are showing normal levels now

[moomo]

Last year my test said slightly underactive thyroid and a year later the tests came back all normal. Which is weird since I only took 25mcg Levo for 2 months in Nov - Jan. Don't really feel any better either, was hoping the doctor would up my dosage.

[moomo]

For to ask in the opening thread, how do I get referred to a specialist ?

[greygoose in reply to moomo]

There are no thyroid specialists. There are endocrinologists, who are supposed to know about the whole endocrine system, but in reality, only know about diabetes, and think they can wing it with thyroid. They can't. The majority of them are diabolical. I would suggest your learn about your disease and look after yourself.

You could start by getting thorough tests done - your GP would probably only do TSH and FT4, at best, maybe a nutrient or two - but what you need is :

TSH

FT4

FT3

TPO antibodies

Tg antibodies

vit D

vit B12

folate

ferritin

That will give you a much clearer idea of where you are, and where you should be going, and people here can help you with your results much better than a doctor can. You can find details of private testing on the main page of Thyroid UK.

[hachiko in reply to greygoose]

Greygoose is right.

[Vbgr in reply to greygoose]

DEar Greygoose, you have given the above list of tests to ask for re vitamins etc.

Do there also apply for an overactive thyroid as well.

[greygoose in reply to Vbgr]

Do you know why your thyroid is over-active? Have you had Graves antibodies tested?

The antibodies mentioned there are for Hashi's, so you could substitute the Graves antibodies for those. But, TSH etc. applies equally well for over-active thyroid, and it's always good to know your levels of nutrients.

[Vbgr in reply to greygoose]

Thank you. I believe I may have Graves because they want me to participate in a Graves study. I am getting a print out of the blood results tomorrow. Reading this forum was vital to know how I go about getting better.

[greygoose in reply to Vbgr]

We-ell... call me a cynic, but from what I've seen on here, too many doctors just assume that a suppressed TSH - or even a low TSH - automatically means Grave's, and don't even bother to test the antibodies. Sometimes with unfortunate results. If I were you, I would make sure they've been tested - and if they haven't, make sure they are!

[Vbgr in reply to greygoose]

I have asked for a print out of first blood test I had. Then I would like to ask What they mean. Thanks

[greygoose in reply to Vbgr]

Oh, there will be plenty of people on here to explain what they mean! It isn't difficult to understand thyroid labs.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

If your GP won't do these tests. You can get them privately, as many of us have to do

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

Medichecks Thyroid plus ultra vitamin or Blue Horizon Thyroid plus eleven are the most popular options and check the essentials. Postal DIY finger prick test or option to pay a little extra and get private blood draw. Both companies often have money off offers.

All thyroid tests should be done as early as possible in morning and fasting. Do not take your Levo in the 24 hours prior to test, delay and take straight after.

Come back and start a new post once you have results and members will help.

[moomo]

Think I will need to get a private test. The gp is ignoring last years test that said underactive thyroid. He's suggesting it's a psychological issue.

Thanks for info everyone.

[humanbean in reply to moomo]

What is a psychological issue? Your blood test results? If your doctor is ignoring your ill health and blaming you for your problems, then you need to find another doctor.

Getting CBT or anti-depressants or anti-anxiety meds or just ignoring your problems is not going to fix or treat untreated hypothyroidism, nor will it fix low nutrients or low stomach acid or iron-deficiency anaemia or pernicious anaemia or any of the dozens of problems that may exist in conjunction with hypothyroidism.