Am I hypothyroid?

[sugarbee1981]

Hi I'm Sarah and I am 35. I have had pernicious anaemia since I was 17. My mum was diagnosed hypithyroid in her 40s. I have had symptoms of this for the past 8/9 years but especially this past 2 with hoarseness, tiredness, an internal coldness, dry skin and the tiredness is just something else. I am losing hair, gaining weight and at breaking point. Last year a locum GP trialled me on 25mg of levothyroxine as she said I was just borderline/subclinical. I felt better after a few weeks and then my own GP refused to renew my prescription. I feel like a hypochondriac as I have had GPs tell me 'all women are tired' and its in my head. My most recent tests(were done in afternoon last week) have come back normal again.

T4 18.2

TSH 3.64

I dont know if they did the T3 test but I wasnt given it over phone. Can anyone help advise my next move?

Thank you

[Nanaedake]

It would be best if you could get a copy of your blood test results that include the laboratory ranges and then post them on here for advice.

As you have pernicious anaemia you may have absoption problems and so have you had vitamin D, folate, ferritin tested?

Also, what about thyroid antibodies? Antibodies can mean thyroid blood test results fluctuate. As you have antibodies with pernicious anaemia it's possible you also have thyroid antibodies. YOu need to find out if you've been tested for TPO and TgAb thyroid antibodies. If not, then ask your GP to test.

[sugarbee1981 in reply to Nanaedake]

Thank you. Forgive my stupidity but what do you mean the laboratory ranges? I thought that in the UK anything less than 4 on TSH was deemed 'normal' and anything between 9 and 25 on the T4 was 'normal'. I was just given these over the phone this morning. I don't think I have been tested for antibodies as I had to argue to get these bloods done; the doctor told me that they cant just test because I want them to. I've had my folate etc tested a while back and they were fine. I will try and get these results. thank you

[Treepie in reply to sugarbee1981]

Ranges are shown in brackets after the test result.Labs differ with machines and ranges.So you need to know where you are in the range.In range is "normal" but may not be optimal for you. Perhaps you should consider pricate testing for antibodies and thyroid results by Blue Horizon or Medichecks.The latter do offers on Thursdays.

You should always have your blood tested as early in the morning as possible as TSH fluctuates during the day.

[Nanaedake in reply to sugarbee1981]

Get hold of a copy of your vitamin test results and lab ranges and post them here. Docs often say fine when they are in range but bumping along the bottom of the range will not make you feel well. We've even had people post on this forum who were below range but doc said fine.