New to all this...

[Harko1980]

Hi, have been feeling gradually more rubbish for 6-12 months now, symptoms are no proper period for nearly 4 months, tired/lethargic, low mood, irritable, anxious, dry skin, cold a lot, struggling to loose weight & go through phases of going off certain foods. There is also significant history of hypothyroidism in my family. Been to the docs in last couple of months to get it looked into. First blood test showed TSH of 4.8 but all other results normal, after some reluctance docs agreed to further tests (attached) which shows TSH down to 3.02 but thyroid antibodies at 200.

I have now been referred to an NHS endocrinologist but will take 2 months for an appointment, although looking into private options to get seen sooner. I'm getting married in November, have hen do coming up & want to feel well again to enjoy the wedding build up. From online research I think I may have hashimotos & possibly starting with hypothyroidism but undiagnosed as yet.

Just after some advice as it's the first time I've come across this & how I can manage my symptoms to feel better.

Thanks

Amy

[Clutter]

Welcome to the forum, Harko1980.

Thyroid peroxidase antibodies are positive for autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's). There is no cure for Hashimoto's which causes 90% of hypothyroidism. 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.

chriskresser.com/the-gluten...

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

Hashimoto's will cause fluctuations in thyroid levels but currently your thyroid levels are euthyroid (normal) but TSH >2.0 does indicate your thyroid is beginning to struggle. NHS doesn't usually diagnose hypothyroidism until TSH is >4.0 or FT4 is <10.0.

Supplementing 200mcg selenium daily can help thyroid and may delay progression to hypothyroidism.

[Harko1980 in reply to Clutter]

Thanks for the advice clutter I had read about going gluten free so will probs give that a go, will have a look at the selenium too

[Saggyuk in reply to Harko1980]

Hey Harko

It's always worth getting your Vit B12, Iron (ferritin), Folate and Vit D checked also or post results if you have already as making these optimal to help your thyroid might help you feel a little better in the mean time until you get treatment. B12, iron and folate would often show in you blood count but Vit D wouldn't and many hypos are deficient in these things.

Would also recommend a gluten free diet as helped me so much but needs to be 100% gluten free including cross contamination to work and for at least three months to see if you have any improvements

[Harko1980 in reply to Saggyuk]

Thanks saggyuk, I'm having blood tests for those type of things this week but think I will have to wait for my endo appointment to get the results, defo going to try gluten free diet to see if it helps

[Saggyuk in reply to Harko1980]

You don't have to wait - the GP gets the results too so you can always call them to get them - I do this so I can see what I want to do before seeing endo