What to do next

[raine-wager]

Help please. I have had lots of blood tests and they all come inside nhs range. I have all symptoms of hypothyroidism from bradycardia to hair falling out dizziness fatigue weakness burning feet etc my doc says endo won't entertain me if my bloods are in range. Don't know what to do.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

If we can see your actual results, with reference ranges, we can comment.

Have you had thyroid antibodies tested?

It's also useful to have vitamins and minerals tested - Vit D, B12, folate and ferritin.

[raine-wager in reply to SeasideSusie]

I have attached my last test results. I take vitamin do supplements.

[Marz in reply to raine-wager]

What vitamins do you take ? - How much ? \do you have results with ranges for the vitamins before supplementing. It's possible you are not on enough if prescribed by GP.

[raine-wager in reply to Marz]

Vitamin d fulcrum do 800 our have been on it 4 years tests normal

[Marz in reply to raine-wager]

Sorry but normal is an opinion and NOT a result. 800 IU's is the standard GP script and not even a maintenance dose. You are entitled to have copies of all test results - they are legally yours.

If your VitD is round 100 then that is good.

I take 10,000 iu's daily and I live in Crete - so plenty of sun

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to raine-wager]

TSH alone is not enough, especially as yours is very high in range and you are very likely we'll on the way to Hypothyroidism. You need FT4, FT3 and thyroid antibodies too.

You may be taking vitamin supplements but are they what you need and the right dose for your levels? Important to test what I listed above then supplement accordingly.

[raine-wager in reply to SeasideSusie]

I've arranged for a private blood test..

[Marz in reply to SeasideSusie]

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

Thread from 4 weeks ago SeasideSusie

[Marz]

With your TSH at 4.7 your thyroid is beginning to struggle. The TSH is only part of the story and you also need FT4 - FT3 and anti-bodies TPO & Tg tested .... you need to rule out Hashimotos.

[raine-wager]

I have been back and forth to the docs for 3 years been referred to rheumatology and cardiology they seem to treat symptoms but not the cause..

[Marz in reply to raine-wager]

Are you able to have Private Testing done in your home through Thyroid UK. The link below details the companies. That way you can have the correct testing done and know exactly where you are. Used by 100's of members here with great success.

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

One of the companies has special offers on a Thursday and they are posted here on the Forum - so keep a look out.

Can you share the issues with Rheumatology and Cardiology ? Probably LOW T3 - the Active thyroid hormone ...

[raine-wager in reply to Marz]

Rheumatology was to rule out lupus I think. Cardiology for my slow heart rate. Had an echo cardiogram and 24 hour monitor. That was 6 weeks ago. Consultant was more concerned with me loosing weight. I have dilated left and right ventricles he didn't have 24 hour test back since found out my average heartbeat is 55 but has dropped into 40s. Consultant has not come back to me.

[raine-wager in reply to Marz]

I haven't worked for nearly 2 years I had to give up my business . What would happen if blood test showed hypothyroidism would the dr accept it?

[Marz in reply to raine-wager]

As Lupus is auto-immune I am wondering if the Meds have considered Hashimotos - or auto-immune thyroid. If you have the testing done privately you will get a full report from their Docs. However do remember they too have to remain within guidelines. So come back to the Forum and start a new post with the results and members will support.

I too had to give up a good career - hence this is why I am trying to help you get to the bottom of things. I am now 71 and still learning and refining my treatment - oh yes and still working !

A healthy person has a TSH of around 2 and anything over 2.5 - well hypothyroidism should be considered. Understanding Test Results is on the Website I posted for you earlier thyroiduk.org

Have you tried to obtain copies of test results from your GP Surgery ? You can ring them and say you will collect them in a couple of days. Some surgeries are now on-line where you can sign up to view your test results - worth asking !

thyroiduk.org/tuk/testing/i...

[SlowDragon Administrator]

For full evaluation you ideally need TSH, FT4, FT3, TT4, TPO and TG antibodies, plus vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 tested

Essential to know if you have high thyroid antibodies, this is autoimmune thyroid disease also called Hashimoto's

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 and most consistent results

Link about antibodies

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

Link about thyroid blood tests

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

List of hypothyroid symptoms

thyroiduk.org/tuk/about_the...

Extremely common for 800iu of vitamin D to be nowhere near enough, especially if you have thyroid issues and particularly Hashimoto's

Post your results for vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 if you have them already

[raine-wager in reply to SlowDragon]

They haven't done those tests for a while. The site only allows one attachment. If I have the private test and it's positive would the doctor acknowledge ithat?

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to raine-wager]

Yes, if they don't like results they can retest

Personally I have only had private tests last 4 years as NHS doesn't do FT3

My GP accepts them

Can you add results here and members can advise

[raine-wager in reply to SlowDragon]

I will do when I get them done. Thank you