First post

[Soranya]

Hi advice please do I have Hashimotos

TPO ANTIBODIES 279.5 (<34)

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Welcome to the forum

Yes your antibodies are raised this is Hashimoto's

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

Medics in UK tend to call it autoimmune thyroid disease. And also only treat the result, low thyroid hormones, not look for the cause.

Are you on thyroid medication?

How do you feel?

Have you got recent TSH, FT4 and FT3 results

With Hashimoto's, its common to have low vitamin levels. Important to test Vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12. Post results and ranges if you have them.

[Soranya in reply to SlowDragon]

Thanks

Not on any meds but have these symptoms

Swollen thyroid

Pins and needles in legs and feet

Constipation

Rectal spasms when passing stool

Heavy cycles

Cold intolerance

Flaky nails

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Soranya]

Has GP run thyroid tests? If so you are entitled to copies of your own blood test results

Essential to find out TSH and FT4

Sometimes TSH and FT4 are still within range, then it may be difficult to get treatment. But guidelines say if we have raised antibodies AND symptoms, treatment should be started

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

It's also ideal to know FT3, but NHS rarely tests (private tests available)

Pins & needles is often low B12

Heavy periods can cause low ferritin

The rest is typical hypo

Probably can tick off a few more on this list too

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

Who did antibodies test?

Were other tests run at same time?

If you can't get full thyroid and vitamin testing from GP

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

Medichecks Thyroid plus ultra vitamin or Blue Horizon Thyroid plus eleven are the most popular choice. DIY finger prick test or option to pay extra for private blood draw. Both companies often have money off offers.

All thyroid tests should be done as early as possible in morning and fasting. This gives highest TSH and most consistent results

[Soranya in reply to SlowDragon]

Yes GP ran thyroid test and TSH 5.8 (0.2 - 4.2) and FREE T4 12.9 (12 - 22)

GP did antibody test thanks

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Soranya]

So you should be started on Thyroid replacement

Has that happened?

50mcgs dose is starter dose

Retesting 6-8 weeks after.

[Soranya in reply to SlowDragon]

Haven't been given any thyroid replacement

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Soranya]

Have they asked you to do further test in month or two?

Was this test done first thing in morning?

[Soranya in reply to SlowDragon]

No further test but it was done first thing in morning thanks