Newbie

[Blue456]

Hi I think I have problems with my thyroid, also with prolactin levels? Symptoms are excessive hair growth on face, constipation, tiredness, dry skin, weight gain, feeling cold, sore muscles, goitre. Thanks in advance

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Blue456

Have you had thyroid tests done? What are the results, please post with reference ranges for interpretation:

TSH

FT4

FT3

Thyroid Antibodies

and if you've had vitamins and minerals tested please post those also:

Vit D

B12

Folate

Ferritin

[Blue456 in reply to SeasideSusie]

TSH 10.3 (0.2 - 4.2)

Free T4 11.2 (12 - 22)

Free T3 3.1 (3.1 - 6.8)

TPO antibodies 588.3 (<34)

TG antibodies 475 (<115)

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Blue456]

Blue

Your over range TSH and below range FT4 confirm hypothyroidism, and with TSH over 10 you should have an immediate diagnosis of Hypothyroidism.

Have you had a diagnosis and been started on Levo?

You also have positive antibodies which confirm autoimmune thyroid disease aka Hashimoto's which is where antibodies attack the thyroid and gradually destroy it. Antibody attacks can cause fluctuations in symptoms and test results.

You can help reduce the antibodies by adopting a strict gluten free diet which has helped many members here. Gluten contains gliadin which is a protein thought to trigger antibody attacks. Supplementing with selenium L-selenomethionine 200mcg daily can also help reduce antibodies.

Hashi's and gut/absorption problems tend to go hand in hand and very often low nutrient levels are the result. You need those vitamins and minerals tested that I mentioned in my previous post.

[Blue456 in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thanks not on levothyroxine

[Clutter]

Welcome to the forum, Blue45.

Have you had any thyroid bloods tests or blood tests for prolactin?

[Blue456 in reply to Clutter]

TSH 10.3 (0.2 - 4.2)

Free T4 11.2 (12 - 22)

Free T3 3.1 (3.1 - 6.8)

TPO antibodies 588.3 (<34)

TG antibodies 475 (<115)

Prolactin was told it was high but I don't have this result to hand

[Clutter in reply to Blue456]

Blue456,

You are overtly hypothyroid with TSH >10 and FT4 below range. Has your GP prescribed Levothyroxine?

Thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin antibodies are positive for autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's). There is no cure for Hashimoto's which causes 90% of hypothyroidism. Levothyroxine treatment is for the low thyroid levels it causes. Many people have found that 100% gluten-free diet is helpful in reducing Hashi flares, symptoms and eventually antibodies.

chriskresser.com/the-gluten...

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

Increased levels of prolactin are often seen in hypothyroid patients. Levels may decrease once you are optimally dosed on Levothyroxine.

labtestsonline.org.uk/under...

[Blue456 in reply to Clutter]

Thanks not on levothyroxine

[Clutter in reply to Blue456]

Blue456,

Then you should make an appointment with a GP to get it prescribed and make a complaint to the practice manager that no-one from the practice has contacted you to advise that your abnormal thyroid results need treatment.

NICE suggest starting dose 50mcg-100mcg for patients <50 without heart disease and 4 weekly dose increases until thyroid levels are adequate. cks.nice.org.uk/hypothyroid...

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Excessive facial hair can be symptom of PCOS which is also linked to autoimmune thyroid disease (also called Hashimoto’s)

Once you have your blood test results and ranges come back on new post

[Mary-intussuception]

Did you have a Prolactin blood test?

I would write a list of all your symptoms and take with you to GP. Ask for all the Thyroid tests and Nutrients. Ask for referal to Endocrinologist.

Have you had any investigations at all or on any medications?

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Make an urgent "on the day" appointment tomorrow or certainly this week.

You should be started on Levothyroxine immediately.

Ask for sex hormones to be tested to investigate if you have PCOS

Your antibodies are high this is Hashimoto's, (also known by medics here in UK more commonly as autoimmune thyroid disease).

About 90% of all hypothyroidism in Uk is due to Hashimoto's

Essential to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12.

Always get actual results and ranges. Post results when you have them, members can advise

Hashimoto's affects the gut and leads to low vitamin levels

Low vitamin levels stop Thyroid hormone working

Poor gut function can lead leaky gut (literally holes in gut wall) this can cause food intolerances. Most common by far is gluten

According to Izabella Wentz the Thyroid Pharmacist approx 5% with Hashimoto's are coeliac, but over 80% find gluten free diet helps significantly. Either due to direct gluten intolerance (no test available) or due to leaky gut and gluten causing molecular mimicry (see Amy Myers link)

But don't be surprised that GP or endo never mention gut, gluten or low vitamins. Hashimoto's is very poorly understood

Changing to a strictly gluten free diet may help reduce symptoms, help gut heal and slowly lower TPO antibodies

thyroidpharmacist.com/artic...

thyroidpharmacist.com/artic...

amymyersmd.com/2017/02/3-im...

chriskresser.com/the-gluten...

scdlifestyle.com/2014/08/th...

drknews.com/changing-your-d...

About PCOS

hashimotoshealing.com/hashi...

pcosdietsupport.com/diet-ti...

hypothyroidmom.com/pcos-and...