Problem with thyroid

[Savannahk]

I'm new I think I have problem with my thyroid it is swollen and irritated also getting hoarse voice and sore throats in the morning? Advice welcome

Thanks

[shaws Administrator]

Welcome to our forum,

Make an appointment to see your doctor and ask him to palpate your neck and also to give you a blood test. He should test TSH, T4, T3, Free T4, Free T3 and thyroid antibodies. Some labs may not do all of these if TSH and T4 are in range.

All blood tests for thyroid hormones have to be at the very earliest possible, fasting (you can drink water) and if you were taking thyroid hormone replacements you'd allow a 24 hour gap between last dose and test and take afterwards.

Also get GP to test B12, Vit D, iron, ferritin and folate as deficiencies can also cause symptoms.

Get a print-out of your results with the ranges (ranges are important for members to comment) and post for comments.

[Savannahk in reply to shaws]

TSH 10.3 (0.2 - 4.2)

FREE T4 12.9 (12 - 22)

FREE T3 3.1 (3.1 - 6.8)

TPO ANTIBODY 904.3 (<34)

TG ANTIBODY 575.1 (<115)

Taking 50mcg Levothyroxine and I had 2 ultrasound scans which have shown damaged thyroid thanks

[shaws Administrator in reply to Savannahk]

First thing that jumps out is your high TSH when the aim is 1 or lower. Whereas yours is higher than the UK for being diagnosed which is 10.

All other countries diagnose when TSH is around 23+

Your TSH - far too high

FT3 and FT4 at the bottom of the of the ranges instead of towards the upper part.

You have an Autoimmune Thyroid Disease - called Hashimoto's and it is diagnosed due to having high antibodies. It is the antibodies that attack your gland and they wax and wane until you are hypothyroid but treatment is the same. Also if you go 'gluten-free' you can help reduce the antibodies and helps to prevent you feeling 'hyper' at times when there is a rush of antibodies.

You need an immediate increase of 25mcg levo with a blood test every six weeks with an increase of 25mcg until TSH is 1 or lower.