I have all the symptoms of hypothyroidism but it doesn't show in blood tests. My protein is always borderline low I have to take vitamin d supplements and now my sodium is high. I had to take again as i did not fast . Any comments appreciated.
Hypothyroidism? ??: I have all the symptoms of... - Thyroid UK
Hypothyroidism? ??
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raine-wager
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I also have a low heart rate always in the 50s
SeasideSusieRemembering
Raine-wager
If you post your test results, with reference ranges, members will be in a better position to comment.
They have the reference range in brackets next to them.
SlowDragonAdministrator
Include your vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 test results and ranges as well if you have them
Thyroid tests should be done as early as possible in morning and fasting. This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results
I have put my results on
They haven't been tested recently but I take fultium d 800iu my hair is falling out I'm always tired my nails have lines in them I have a eczema / psoriasis rash, pulsatile tinnitus, dry skin, low heart rate, forgetfulness, loss of strength in muscles, put on weight I can'tell get rid of lots more I feel like a hypochondriac. I am overweight any way and that's all the Dr sees.
Raine-wager
You still haven't answered the question about what was your Vit D level. To be prescribed Fultium it must have been quite low, but 800iu isn't even a maintenance dose for someone with a decent level to start with. If you say what your level was when tested, we can tell you what you should have been taking. But there are also cofactors needed when taking D3 which help it work and help direct the increased uptake of calcium to where it's needed and away from areas where it causes problems.
So, what was your Vit D level? Help us to help you.
Some of the symptoms you describe in your post can be indicative of low nutrient levels, so as both SlowDragon and I have said you need them tested and SlowDragon has mentioned the private labs where you can get them done if your GP can't or won't.
You also haven't said what time your tests were done or whether antibodies have been tested.
They were done at 11am non fasting I have been on vit d for 3 years now it was higher for the first 6 months I will see if I can find the last tests with ferritin etc.
For any chance of a diagnosis of primary hypothyroidism you need TSH as high as possible. TSH is highest in the early hours of the morning and lowers throughout the day. For future tests, book the earliest appointment of the day, no later than 9am, and fast overnight (water allowed).
I will do that if they give me another test. Tomorrow I will try and write all my results down.
I'm trying to download load previous tests but I have to delete the one there first I have put on a previous test. I have been on vit d for 3 years was a higher dose for 6 months. Can't remember what it was but quite low.
Why not just type them in? 4 results with ranges and dates plus whatever supplements you are taking.
I would be here all night trying to put them in. I have put another test result up there.
We only need Vit D, B12, folate, ferritin.
I have posted a test from last year.
Recommended levels for us Hypos are
Vit D - 100-150nmol/L
B12 - very top of range, even 900-1000
Folate - at least half way through range
Ferritin - at least 70 for thyroid hormone to work, recommended is half way through range
You need new tests to check your levels and then suggestions can be made for appropriate dose of supplements.
shawsAdministrator
You have to have a proper blood test. In the UK, unfortunately, doctors are told not to prescribe thyroid hormones until the TSH is 10 whereas in other countries it is 3+.The following are clinical symptoms and tick off the ones you have.
thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...
All blood tests have to be at the very earliest, fasting (you can drink water). If you were taking thyroid hormones you'd allow a gap of 24 hours between last dose and test and take it afterwards. This helps keep TSH at its highest as that seems to be all the doctors look at.
TSH, T4, T3, Free T4, Free T3 and thyroid antibodies. B12, Vit D, iron, ferritin and folate.
Get a print-out every blood test and you can post if you have a query. Always put the ranges because without ranges members cannot respond.
How do you attach a photo on here? Then I can post my results?
Raine-wager,
Click under the V down arrow underneath your opening post. Click on Edit. Scroll down past your text and click on Upload Image to add an image from your phone or PC. Save Edit.
I did it thankyou
Raine-wager,
Now to alert SeasideSusie and SlowDragon that your results are available.
Are you in UK?
For full evaluation you ideally need TSH, FT4, FT3, TT4, TPO and TG antibodies, plus vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 tested
See if you can get full thyroid and vitamin testing from GP. Unlikely to get FT3
Private tests are available
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, lowest FT4 and most consistent results
Link about antibodies
thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...
Link about thyroid blood tests
thyroiduk.org/tuk/testing/t...
list of symptoms off, tick all that apply
thyroiduk.org/tuk/about_the...
Yes I'm in the UK can't really afford to do it private. I haven't worked for 18 months. I feel that all the Dr's see when they look at me is a fat person. I feel like I've just got to put up with it.
Make an appointment to see GP. Say how rubbish you feel, low energy etc
Perhaps print off the list of hypothyroid symptoms and take in with you
Ask that they test Thyroid antibodies for autoimmune thyroid disease. Also TSH, FT4 and FT3
Could they also retest your folate, B12, vitamin D and ferritin.
You can say you had advice from NHS recommended thyroid support group (don't mention the internet)
I have been going back and forth for nearly 2 years.. while my tests results stay in their range or borderline they wont send me to an endocrinologist. They have sent me to a rheumatologist and a cardiologist. I have given them a list of hypothyroidism symptoms which I have 90% of and I keep being told to eat healthy and loose weight. I'm just a fat person and they put all my symptoms to being overweight even my slow heart rate. Don't know what else I can do.
You really need to get thyroid antibodies tested
Thyroid TSH tests should be done as early as possible in morning and fasting
Plus vitamins rechecked
SeasideSusieRemembering
Raine-wager
It's not possible to comment without the reference ranges, they vary from lab to lab so can't be interpreted without your lab's range. It should look something like
FT4: 15 (12-22)
We need:
TSH
FT4
FT3
And anything else you have. You've mentioned that you take Vit D supplements, what dose do you take, what was your level, anything else you've had tested, anything else you supplement?
I have posted my results
Raine-wager
Your TSH at 2.4 suggests that your thyroid is beginning to struggle, and your free Ts are low in their ranges.
What time of day were these tests done? TSH is highest early morning and fasting, so if these were done later in the day, and after you had eaten, then your TSH is lower than it would have been if you'd had an early, fasting blood draw.
Have you had thyroid antibodies tested?
What about the vitamins and minerals you've been asked about?
Vit D
B12
Folate
Ferritin
I'm trying to download load previous tests but I have to delete the one there first I have put on a previous test.
so in July 2016
TSH was 3.4
Not high enough for GP to consider treating, but suggests it's struggling
Essential to retest full Thyroid
TSH, FT4, FT3 and thyroid antibodies
Would suspect you have high thyroid antibodies. This is Hashimoto's and upsets gut function, lowers stomach acid and then lowers vitamin levels
Folate 5 (5.4-24)
This was below range and you were given supplements for 3 months.
Not taken any since?
Has this been tested recently? Or at all since supplementing
B12 334 (210-910)
This was low but not low enough for GP to treat.
Ferritin was good
Vitamin D only average at 73, despite supplements. Level around 100nmol is better
How much vitamin D are you taking now?
You need all these retesting. That was all 18months ago
Make sure to get it done as early as possible in morning and fasting.
Hundreds on here have to resort to private testing to get diagnosed
For full evaluation you ideally need TSH, FT4, FT3, TT4, TPO and TG antibodies, plus vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 tested
See if you can get full thyroid and vitamin testing from GP. Unlikely to get FT3
Private tests are available
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, lowest FT4 and most consistent results
See SeasideSusie detailed vitamin advice on many of her replies
Don't start any B12 or B complex before getting tested.
I have posted some more results..
No thyroid hormone tests done, just TSH. TSH not high enough for NHS to treat, but can't say if you have central hypo or Hashis (autoimmune thyroiditis) without Free T4, free T3 and TPO and TG antibody results. Statistically, you are probably hypo with a TSH of 3.4, as most healthy people have a TSH of around 1.2, but NHS will not treat until TSH is 10 or free T4 is under range or you have high antibodies.
Starting with most recent tests
Free t4 12.7 & 12.3 (11.5-22.7)
Free t3 4.8 & 4.3 (3.5-6.5)
Tsh 2.4 & 2.4 (0.4-5.5)
B12 439 (210-910)
Vit d 47.9 insufficient
Folite 7.5 (5.4 24)
Feratin 199 (10-307)
My results
FT4 is low in range, suggests you have problems
But TSH is not high enough for NHS to consider treating
Vitamin D is far too low.
Folate is low and B12 borderline, but nether low enough for GP to recognise or treat
Get both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested privately if GP won't test
Ask for central/secondary hypo to be considered as you'd expect higher TSH with such low free T4. But GPs don't know what it is, so you'll need an endo referral.
I keep asking for a referral to endo but they won't do one. Never get to see same doc twice ito a nightmare. Thankyou all for your help
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