Getting frustrated and fed up, suspected underactive tyroid

[Peanut31]

Hello everyone, I'm new to this forum, but have been reading several posts before joining, this has given me valuable information and the courage to write a post.

I've been suffering with symptoms of what I think is an underactive thyroid for over 18 months and never realised it related to a Thyroid issue until someone mention going to my doctors.

I have always felt the cold, and also had a sensitive tummy as long as I can remember, and very heavy periods.

I lost over 2 and a half stone with WW many many years ago so my weight is important to me and I have managed to keep it off.

Eighteen months ago I started feeling very low and thought perhaps I was suffering from depression so I went to councillor, I was always cold and noticed that I couldn't seem to maintain my weight anymore. Don't get me wrong I am not overweight, but I stick to weight watcher points and I go to the gym 5 times a week, weights and Bodyattack, so I couldn't understand this.

I then started with a stiff neck and thought I had injured myself at the gym, I went to a physio and was told it was very stiff and to not go to the gym for at least 10 weeks whilst I had treatment.

it get any better, I was also struggling when I woke up in the morning, as Although I had a good nights sleep, I didn't feel refreshed and I felt tearful all the time, lacked motivation with no energy for the gym. I lost my libido and had anxiety.

I eventually went to the doctors and had blood tests, they showed I was down on Iron and Vitamin D, and I was boderline underactive Thyroid TSH 6.

I was told to buy some vitamin D over the counter and iron tablets and come back a month later, a month later no improvements and I just burst into tears as I feared the doctor would say I was suffering from depression. I know I wasn't as I was seeing a councillor anyway thinking it would help, the councillor also confirmed I didn't have depression as she would have advised me to go on anti depressants.

I went back and the doctor and had another blood test, this time my thyroid TSH was 3.7 ( normal) from 6 but, serum Thyroid Peroxidase antibody 58IU/ml (normal range 34). This was never tested before so not sure what that is.

Anyway the doctor agreed to put me on 25g of levothyroxine. I stopped taking it, I felt so bloated, I felt sick and very windy on top of my normal symptoms and didn't want to eat die to the bloating.

Feeling so desperate I requested a referral to pay private to see an Endocrinologist.

The endocrinologist Requested blood tests it was revealed I was low on Vitamin D despite me taking 1000mg a day, iron very low and I tested positive for Epstein Barr virus.

I was prescribed 20,000 IU vitamin D to take twice a week. To purchase B12 over the counter, and a iron supplement over the counter as well as take Liquid Sytron prescribed by the doctor. I was also given

aciclovir which was to suppress the virus whilst my vitamins levels increased. After a few days I started to feel better but, then I noticed that I was going down hill again.

I have requested another appointment and seeing the consultant soon, but he has not requested a scan on my neck (it looks swollen on tender on right side, (this is where my neck stiffness is), and I've noticed the further tests he has requested only ask for FBC, and TSH not T4 or T3. I fact my blood tests with the consultant I don't think relates to thyroid (can someone advise on them)

1st blood results 12/6/17

Cortisol 397

LH 3.2

FSH 5.4

Oestradiol 209

2nd results 19/6/17

LH 5.0

FSH 10.5

Oestradiol 109

3rd results 26/6/17

LH 4.5

FSH 7.5

Oestradiol 533

Vitamin D 133

B12 634

Ferritin 23

The blood tests where taken whilst on iron and vitamin D and anti virus tablets.

I think he is trying to rule out things but not concentrating on Thyroid.

I have also noticed that although I'm not overweight if I eat off my normal plan For one day put on weight, I can't stabilise my weight.

All the exercise do I should be a lot smaller, many years ago I had a health check and fitness check and they could get my heart rate to increase and had to keep increasing the resistance to increase my heart rate, they said my metabolism rate is very low.

I'm so sorry it's a long post but I'm so fed up that I just don't know what to do.

Many thanks in advance for any advice.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

So your antibodies are high this confirms you have Hashimoto's, (also known as autoimmune thyroid disease). About 90% of hypothyroidism in UK is due to Hashimoto's.

Hashimoto's very often affects the gut, leading to low stomach acid, low vitamin levels and leaky gut.

Low vitamins that affect thyroid are vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12. If they are too low they stop Thyroid hormones working. Good that these have been tested and are being improved with supplements. Important to Always get actual results AND ranges (figures in brackets)

Vitamin D seems to have come up pretty well at 133

Ferritin needs to be half way through range (do you have range)

Have you had folate tested? Especially as your B12 must have been very low to be suggested you need to supplement

As you have Hashimoto's then hidden food intolerances may be causing issues, most common by far is gluten. Changing to a strictly gluten free diet may help reduce symptoms. Very, very many of us here find it really helps and can slowly lower antibodies.

thyroidpharmacist.com/artic...

thyroidpharmacist.com/artic...

amymyersmd.com/2017/02/3-im...

chriskresser.com/the-gluten...

scdlifestyle.com/2014/08/th...

Ebstien-Barr is linked to Hashimoto's

hypothyroidmom.com/hashimot...

thyroidpharmacist.com/artic...

[Peanut31 in reply to SlowDragon]

Many thanks for you advice SlowDragon, I'll look at the links.

I'm waiting for my blood results taken in August, I've phoned for the results but the secretary will not release them, until the consultation has reviewed them.

The blood tests he requested was only TSH, FBC, Vitamin D and Ferritin Iron.

I'm seeing him this Thursday but I don't really feel we are getting anywhere despite paying private, I was told that I'm not his only patient and he's very busy. To be told this when I'm so low I felt the world was against me.

I'm wondering if I should pay Blue Horizons for a full Thyroid test?, as with the consultant not requesting this and then not releasing the results to me I'm banging my head against a brick wall.

I don't know whether to changing consultants?.

Once again many thanks for your help.

[Peanut31 in reply to Peanut31]

Thank you all for your reply. I have now ordered private bloods test, once I have the results I will post them for advice. I will try Gluten free eating to see if this helps.

Best Wishes