Advice for blood tests/ GP appointment

[C2691]

Hello,

I’m new to this forum and and looking for some advice.

I have been diagnosed with PCOS and also have a number of symptoms that can be associated with thyroid issues, from what I’ve googled!

I’m 26. Have been loosing quite some hair over the past few months, I have horrendous period issues which could be related to the PCOS but also thyroid possibly? Also experienced weight gain, pain in joints and am currently being investigated for unexplained pelvic pain. As well as feeling generally unwell for months. Because of all these problems also experiencing depression & anxiety.

I’m constantly worried the doctors will fob me off as there are so many things wrong and no one seems to be able to diagnose me with anything but I’m living in constant pain 😫

I want to ask my GP to investigate my thyroid but I’ve read online there are various tests and some are not as thorough, and there are certain ones you need to have for accurate results.

Any similar experience/ advice on how to bring up this with my GP and what tests I should as for?

Thank you.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Google Hashimoto's and PCOS lots of sites will explain that PCOS is often linked to or caused by Hashimoto's

Correctly treating the Hashimoto's can improve a PCOS significantly

Essential to test thyroid antibodies

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...

Vitamindtest.org.uk - £28 postal kit

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

Link about antibodies

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

Link about thyroid blood tests

thyroiduk.org/tuk/testing/t...

Print this list of symptoms off, tick all that apply and take to GP

thyroiduk.org/tuk/about_the...

[C2691 in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you that is so helpful.

[silverfox7]

Let us know how you get on.

[C2691 in reply to silverfox7]

Thanks, I will 😊