Flushing

[Diamorrf]

I am new to here and suffering from extreme flushing and tremors, blood tests all ok except for thyroid peroxidase at 128. Is the flushing likely due to thyroid problem? I am also coeliac.

[shaws Administrator]

Welcome to our forum. Can you please post your results with the ranges. Are you hypothyroid or hyperthyroid.

Are you prescribed medication - if so what?

[Diamorrf in reply to shaws]

Hi, am not on any medication. Been on a bit of a roller coaster for weeks. Started with what was thought to be sun sensitivity as developed red neck/flushing and eyes watering in the bright light. Then developed itching and episodes of shakiness. Initial blood tests , taken when only flushed neck was the problem, seemed fine except for raised thyroid peroxidase at 128.

Range shown <60 negative

60-90 weak positive

100-2000 positive

My symptoms worsened , GP prescribed antihistamine and steroids, ultimately I felt so poorly necessitating a visit to A and E where no bloods were taken and I was given more antihistamines. GP tried referring me to Endo but was rejected despite his insistence regarding thyroid antibodies. Instead I did a 24hr urine collection which came back ok awaiting results from a second one and going back for more bloods on Tuesday. Main worrying symptoms were extreme neck and facial flushing accompanied by shaking, palpitations and irregular blood pressure readings. Extreme symptoms appear to have now subsided and I am no longer on steroids or antihistamines. Just feel washed out oh and weight has now stabilised but I lost 8lbs in 2 weeks!

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Diamorrf]

What are the results of your urine thyroid test? You can add a picture to the first post in this thread, just choose Edit from the down arrow V under your first post, add your picture, then click the green button EDIT RESPONSE. It's easier to interpret the urine test from the scale than just by writing the numbers (well, it is for me!)

Have you had thyroid blood tests other than antibodies? Please post with reference ranges if you have.

[shaws Administrator in reply to Diamorrf]

The following are a couple of links which may be helpful. If you haven't had tests yet for thyroid hormones, ask for a Full Thyroid Function Test, TSH, T4, T3, Free T4, Free T3. Lab may not do all if TSH is in range.

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

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

Your symptoms seem like hyperthyroid even if hypothyroid the antibodies can attack the gland and the person feels hyperthyroid.

Your GP should also test B12, Vit D, iron, ferritin and folate.

[Diamorrf in reply to shaws]

Thank you for the information.

[JoVH]

Have you ever had cortisol/adrenals checked out? Many years ago, I had identical symptoms and was found to have very high cortisol, adrenaline, with kidney function at 60%. Funny thing, after many tests including a scan for an adrenal tumour, no one (endo, GP and emergency department) knew why and I was not given any medication, just told to rest for 6 weeks! To the his day, I believe it was adrenal overload which subsequently turned into adrenal fatigue.

[Diamorrf]

Hi JoVH, Thank you for sharing your experience. It helps just to have someone share they have experienced something similar! On the advice of the Endo, who rejected my referral, the GP organised a cortisol blood test a few weeks back (need to ask for a print out) , GP said it was ok but I was on quite a high dose of steroids at the time which logic tells me might have given a false result. I’ll ask him. I also think the 24hr urine collections I am doing check cortisol levels as well as checking to exclude ‘nasties’ that cause flushing. My first urine result has come back negative, awaiting second result. Apparently need to do at least three! Only thing showing in my blood tests is the raised thyroid peroxidase. Wonder if there is a link with thyroid issues and adrenal overload?