I got my bloods tested because I have been experiencing symptoms of hypothyroidism. I have been told that they are normal... But, I don’t think that they are. I am only 19, so surely my free T3 and free T4 shouldn’t be bottom of the range. Plus, one of my thyroid antibodies is almost at max!
Please help. I feel awful. I barely eat anything and am active but put on so much weight despite this. I’m tired and anxious and depressed. Should I get a second opinion?
I don't think many will disagree with your thoughts. Unfortunately you will have a lot of trouble getting the medics to do anthing about it because all your readings are "within range" you could try focusing on what you eat, if you aren't eating enough it can impact on your levels, if you are over exerting that can also have a negative effect. Levels and symptoms are often worse over the winter months. Did your doctor test for vit d, vit b12, fotate and ferratin? If these are poor they can cause your symptoms and blood results.
Before you choose a clinic research the doctor(s) who are dealing with hypothyroid patients to make sure they can prescribe other than levothyroxine - just so that you don't waster your money. If Levo is prescribed and you don't improve that they can prescribe either T3 added to T4 or NDT. In the UK doctors are directed not to prescribe until the TSH is 10. Some will do so if TSH is over the top of the range (which in your case is 4.2).
The following is clinical symptoms but you have an Autoimmune Thyroid Disease, commonly called Hashimoto's due to having Thyroid Antibodies. These antibodies wax and wane whilst attacking your thyroid gland until you become hypothyroid.
email Dionne at Thyroiduk.org.uk (email below) and request a copy of Dr Toft's Pulse Online article, in which he states if antibodies are present we should be prescribed:-
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
Hi, don’t recall off the top of my head what my levels were for the vitamins and minerals that you mention but they are good and I also supplement these.
My blood test took place at 11:45, so not early I am afraid.
As you probably know tsh is highest early on and drops as the day goes on. Eating and drinking anything other than water before the test will also lower tsh. It's a good plan to try to get things like time and food and drink the same every time so that you are comparing real changes in your levels.
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