Where to start?

[Eastyone]

So glad to have found this forum. I'm late 50s and perimenopausal. Initially went to GPs last year as tired and breathless so he thought possibly angina so I had lots of tests and an angiogram (which was clear). Not on any medication but still have the same symptoms and others - itchy wet dry eyes, hair loss and very spotty skin. I'm also very overweight (BMI about 37)

This year GP did more blood tests and said nothing wrong just come back in if you feel worse! So I requested my blood tests found I had 2 raised TSH results and landed here.

Have been back to GPs 4 time for results as they kept missing pages off but now I have them all I think.

So in Oct 2017 (only showing out of range tests) TSH 7.12 Miu/L (0.4 - 5.00) T4 11.9 (9-19) also Cholesterol 7.0 (< 5) Trigly 2.1 (<1.8) LDL 4.5mmol /L (<3) also liver ALT was high 53u/L (10-35)

In April 2018 TSH 7.59 Miu/L (0.4 - 5.00) T4 11.9 (9-19) also Cholesterol 6.1 (< 5) Trigly 3.2(<1.8) LDL 3.4mmol /L (<3) also liver ALT was high 61u/L (10-35)

I'm thinking I should have my antibodies tested and perhaps the ultra vits as a start then back to GP?

Thanks for reading

[greygoose]

I think you should go back to your GP anyway. You are hypo. You are hypo as soon as your TSH hits 3, but doctors in the UK don't know that! You've had two tests, at several months interval, and both times the TSH has come back high. You should be on thyroid hormone replacement, and ask your doctor to test the antibodies and the nutrients. That's what he's there for.

[Eastyone in reply to greygoose]

I don't think he'll be helpful. He said everything was normal and he's done all the necessary testss. I think I'm better going armed with results? It will take 4 weeks for an appt too.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Yes I would get full Thyroid evaluation done

you need TSH, FT4, TT4, FT3 plus TPO and TG thyroid antibodies. Plus vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12.

Essential to test thyroid antibodies, FT3 and FT4, plus vitamins

Private tests are available. Thousands on here forced to do this as NHS often refuses to test FT3 or antibodies

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 ideally be done as early as possible in morning and fasting. This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, GP will be unaware)

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. Low vitamins are especially common with Hashimoto's. Food intolerances too, especially gluten. So it's important to get tested.

[Eastyone in reply to SlowDragon]

So if I go for the finger prick how many drops of blood will I need?

[StillEverHopeful]

The folk on here give really good advice - I'm still on my journey, but as a 'novice' (so the only number I understand is TSH and I received medication at 4.6 (0.3-3.5) I would suggest joining Thyroid UK and equipping yourself for your next GP visit I would also insist on an earlier appointment and if refused consider going to a NHS walk-in clinic armed with your current results, you might come across a better informed doctor...

Have also found the private test suggested by SlowDragon helpful, so am in process gathering lots of resources for my next GP appointment.

I hope you get treatment soon.