Menopause or hypothyroid?

Hi everyone, I’m new to this site and after reading lots of posts feel I have some learning ahead of me.

I visited my GP 2 years ago because I was constantly tired and had suddenly developed a loud tinnitus in my left ear. It was a while since I’d been checked for my high blood pressure which I’ve had for 10+ years and taking meds for. I had a fasting blood test and was referred to ent at my local hospital.

I was told by Drs receptionist that blood results were normal but was never told what I was tested for, stupidly I didn’t ask,

ENT found I had lost partial hearing in my left ear and sent me for an mri because apparently it’s unusual for that to happen in just 1 ear. After a lot of worry I was told they didn’t find any cause.

Since that time my tiredness has worsened, I have developed irregular but very heavy periods, much worse pmt, disturbed sleep, very dry skin, hair falling out plus a range of other symptoms which I thought were probably the onset of menopause so went back to Dr to discuss hrt.

The young lady Dr told me my last blood test showed raised cholesterol but not high enough to need treatment and did more bloods including THT? (I think that’s what it was on the form).

I had a call from her a few days later to say my TSH was 5.03. She explained it could be hypothyroidism and should retest in 3 months.

Having read a lot now about something I previously knew nothing about and discovering that my sister is going through exactly the same as me with TSH 5.85 I am wondering if I should push for tests now. I’d like advice on what I should do now to make sure I get the right tests etc.

Sorry for the long post but would like to know what I’m facing .Thanks 🙂

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15 Replies

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SlowDragonAdministrator

2 years ago

First thing is do you have to do is to get hold of copies of actual results

UK GP practices are supposed to offer online access for blood test results. Ring and ask if this is available and apply to do so if possible. To see actual blood test results you may need to apply for "enhanced access ". In reality many GP surgeries do not have blood test results online yet

Alternatively ring receptionist and request printed copies of results. Allow couple of days and then go and pick up. They can make nominal charge for printing but many will do so for free (£10 max)

It's normal for GP's to wait and retest in 2-3 months, in case high test results are temporary

You could ask GP to test thyroid antibodies and vitamins now

If antibodies are high this is Hashimoto's, (also known by medics here in UK more commonly as autoimmune thyroid disease).

About 90% of all hypothyroidism in Uk is due to Hashimoto's

Essential to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12. Always get actual results and ranges. Post results when you have them, members can advise

For full Thyroid evaluation TSH, FT4, TT4, FT3 plus TPO and TG thyroid antibodies. Plus vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12.

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 in morning and fasting. This gives highest TSH and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, GP will be unaware)

2 likes

Marz

2 years ago

You all need the FULL testing suggested above through Medichecks ir Blue Horizon. It will be money well invested.

Raised blood pressure is usually a symptom of something else going on and not an illness in itself. Thyroid so often involved which in turn trashes the absorption of vitamins and minerals causing low B12 - Folate - Ferritin - VitD. They are all involved in heart health too.

Your sister with the stroke - can be caused by HIGH levels of Homocysteine in the blood when B12 is low in the cells. Rarely checked. Also thyroid.

Regarding your daughter - when they re-test the results will be skewed and they will stop injections. Do NOT let this happen. She will also need Folate as it works with B 12 in the body. Check VitD. See link below ...

grassrootshealth.net

4 likes

Northie

2 years ago

Hello there, I'm not an expert but your story very nearly mirrored my own story. I started sweating and shaking, periods went awry, my left ear went wrong, couldn't hear a thing, and strangely my feet just started hurting all the time, really painful to stand on. Also couldn't sleep, then could at random times etc...I thought I was going through menopause as I'm at that age....dammit! Haha.....

I went to the docs to confirm I was fully fledged menopausal and bingo! 2 blood tests later I was called back in to say I was hypo, was given a prescription and off you go.....Few months later ear cleared, sweating and shaking reduced etc.

I'm not saying I'm pain free, or that my symptoms have gone altogether, as they do pop up randomly even now, but.......I'm better than I was and am actively always trying to look out for my own body a bit more.

The only thing I do like about this is my periods stopped altogether and that, for me is a massive plus as I was plagued with heavy periods all my life....so, ya know, trying focus on the positive.