Hi: Hi all, I have just joined because I have so... - Thyroid UK

Thyroid UK

141,270 members166,540 posts

Hi

JazB profile image
JazB
10 Replies

Hi all, I have just joined because I have so many problems. So first of all I have endometriosis, also acid reflux, constipation, hormone imbalances, eczema. Not sure if I have anything wrong with my thyroid so I have come here to explore this possibility.

I have a swollen neck, dry skin all over my fingers, a big dark cloud of depression hanging over me, heavy periods, hair loss, puffy eyes, sweats, pins and needles, dizzy spells. Addison's was ruled out with a short synacthen test.

Sorry, I have only come here in case I am not just shooting in the dark but if anyone could advise I would appreciate it, thank you.

Written by
JazB profile image
JazB
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
10 Replies
Clutter profile image
Clutter

JazB,

Have you had thyroid function tested? How about ferritin, vitamin D, B12 and folate? If you've had them tested please post the results and lab ref ranges (the figures in brackets after results).

JazB profile image
JazB in reply toClutter

TSH 6.70 (0.2 - 4.2)

Free T4 13.2 (12 - 22)

Free T3 3.3 (3.1 - 6.8)

TPO antibodies 378 (<34)

Ferritin 25 (30 - 400)

Folate 2.2 (4.6 - 18.7)

Vitamin B12 229 (190 - 900)

Vitamin D 28.8 (25 - 50 deficient)

I take 800iu vit D. Thanks

Clutter profile image
Clutter in reply toJazB

JazB,

Are you taking Levothyroxine?

JazB profile image
JazB in reply toClutter

I haven't been diagnosed so no not taking any. Thanks

Clutter profile image
Clutter in reply toJazB

JazB,

You need to see your GP and ask for Levothyroxine as TSH is over range and FT4 and FT3 are low in range.

Thyroid peroxidase 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_...

Deficient ferritin may indicate iron deficiency anaemia. Your GP should do a full blood count and iron panel to check.

B12 is low. If you have symptoms listed in b12deficiency.info/signs-an... healthunlocked.com/pasoc for advice.

Folate is very deficient so you need a prescription for folic acid 5mg. If you are B12 deficient GP should initiate B12 injections 48 hours prior to you taking 5mg folic acid.

Vitamin D is deficient and 800iu is insufficient dose to correct deficiency. 800iu is a maintenance dose prescribed after vitD is replete >75. Your GP should refer to local guidelines or the cks.nice.org.uk/vitamin-d-d... Vitamin D should be taken 4 hours away from Levothyroxine.

JazB profile image
JazB in reply toClutter

Only things flagged up from complete blood test was

MCV 78.5 (80 - 98)

MCHC 379 (310 - 350)

Iron 7.2 (6.0 - 26.0)

Transferrin saturation 13 (12 - 45)

GP wasn't sure what they meant. Thanks

Clutter profile image
Clutter in reply toJazB

JazB,

Then GP should have conferred with a colleague, not ignored them.

Low MCV and low transferrin saturation indicates iron deficiency anaemia for which treatment is 3 x 210mg Ferrous Fumarate. Take 1,000mg vitamin C with each iron tablet to aid absorption and minimise constipation. Iron must also be taken 4 hours away from Levothyroxine.

JazB profile image
JazB in reply toClutter

Perfect will go back to GP and insist on getting the correct treatment. Thanks

Jazzw profile image
Jazzw in reply toJazB

Glad to hear it. I’m gobsmacked that the GP didn’t understand those iron results. Although I shouldn’t be... We’re hearing more and more stories like yours I’m afraid.

Think I might be minded to see a different GP if poss... :)

Edited to add - all of the symptoms you mention can be caused by underactive thyroid.

Rmichelle profile image
Rmichelle

Hi there it doesnt surprise me as one doctor i saw didnt even recognise what thyroid bloods test results were and was asked to go in and see if they were thyroid tests. Hope you get it sorted and learn as much as you can as docs and endos know little.😊

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Hi

New here my name is Lucie Diagnosed hypothyroid 4 yrs ago Had dose reduced from 200mcg...
Lucie16 profile image

Serious dark circles! What could it be/what can I do?

Hi everyone, I know this would normally go on a make-up forum, but my dark circles are so dark and...
BellaBop profile image

Hi I am new

I feel embarrassed to come here but here goes...I was diagnosed hypothyroid 5 years ago, current...
Demitri profile image

Hi

Hi could any one help I have just been to the doctors about my thyroid and to have a review I told...
Darrenparker profile image

Hi, I have come back

First of all I would like to start off by saying sorry to anyone I have crossed wires with over my...

Moderation team

See all
SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator
PurpleNails profile image
PurpleNailsAdministrator
Jaydee1507 profile image
Jaydee1507Administrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.