Really confused still....

[Senorita_Squiffy]

Can anyone help? I've had most of my tests done and they don't suggest Hashimotos

antibodies are:

anti-thyroglobulin <6.4 (<18.0)

anti-TPO <0.8 (<8.0)

So very low.....

I'm looking for another cause (central, secondary or tertiary).

Does anyone know anything about testing for iodine, pituitary, etc? Or any other potential things that should be investigated?

Thanks

[greygoose]

In your last post, you gave results from a test done early this year, where your FT3 was very low, and your TSH was low normal. But, you didn't say whether you were taking any thyroid hormone replacement at that time. If you weren't, then you should definitely be investigating Central hypo. But, only an endo can run the relevant tests, you can't do that yourself. So, you need to see an endo.

But, if those tests were done when you were already on the NDT you said you're taking, then the results just show that you need an increase in dose.

Are you still taking NDT?

Also, on one of your posts, you talked about all the supplements you were taking, and I suggested you have a hard think about them, and eliminate the superfluous. Have you done that?

I'm not medically trained, of course, but those results don't look like iodine deficiency results. Testing iodine isn't easy, and I don't know where you would get a reliable test, done.

[Senorita_Squiffy in reply to greygoose]

Thanks again! No, I wasn't yet diagnosed when those tests were carried out. I'm going to see my doctor tomorrow and she's happy to get some of my nutritional tests done and refer me to a private endo, I just don't have a recommendation for one in London yet... I'm going to use up the supplements that I have and then just take the basics. I'd assumed that the iodine test was just a simple blood test, but I'm realising that it's really not going to be that easy!!

[greygoose in reply to Senorita_Squiffy]

No, iodine isn't easy. There is a blood test, but it's not very reliable. And, if you test deficient, it's not as simple as just taking a pill. You need the supervision of an experienced doctor, who knows what he's doing.

OK, so I would go down the Central hypo route, if I were you. Although, if you've since been diagnosed, and are now being treated - that bit isn't really clear in your posts - then does it really matter? The treatment is always the same : thyroid hormone replacement.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Email Louise at a Thyroid UK for list of recommended thyroid specialists [e-mail]

[Senorita_Squiffy in reply to SlowDragon]

Thanks. Yes, I've done that. Will chase it up later. Couldn't find the first couple on the list

[Senorita_Squiffy in reply to SlowDragon]

There's only one on there from London at £320 per hour!!!

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Senorita_Squiffy]

There's 3 separate documents of recommended thyroid specialists

There are some others in London not quite that price

Initial consultation usually more than follow ups.

Recommend you get full private bloods first via Medichecks or Blue Horizon

[Senorita_Squiffy in reply to SlowDragon]

Less qualified etc?

[Senorita_Squiffy in reply to SlowDragon]

Ah yes, thanks, just seeing the second private list. All the cheaper ones are listed as 'homeopaths' which worries me. Does this mean 'not a proper endo'?

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Senorita_Squiffy]

you need one that can prescribe if necessary.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

If you want to do an iodine test then I suggest the Genova non-loading urine test which measures your existing levels. The loading test, where you take an iodine tablet before the test, has been suggested to be flawed blog.zrtlab.com/flaws-in-th...

I did this test twice. First time as part of a barage of tests to try to get to the bottom of my problem, and it showed my level exactly in the middle of the range. Second time was after a practioner I was consulting with advised a supplement containing 150mcg iodine which I question and she said it was fine as it was a low dose. After a few months I wanted to see what difference it had made so repeated the test and it showed my level had gone from 150 to 250 (range 100-199) so I concluded the test is accurate and that I definitely didn't need the iodine in that supplement.

You would need to order the Genova test with ThyroidUK as your practioner, then the results are sent to ThyroidUK who then send them on to you. You can't deal direct with Genova. Details here thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

Urine Iodine Test: Specimen requirements: Urine Cost: £71.00 Order Code: END25 Turnaround time: 5 - 10 days Iodine is an essential trace element, vital for healthy thyroid function. Adequate levels are required to enable the production of T3 and T4 thyroid hormones, whilst also being required in other areas of health. Deficiencies can lead to impaired heat and energy production, mental function and slow metabolism. Urine iodine is one of the best measures of iodine status. This test is not performed as a loading test, but can be used to establish existing levels or to monitor iodine supplementation.

[Senorita_Squiffy in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thank you. That's really helpful. I've emailed them