Doctor says there’s no issue but I believe there is

[liaminax]

Good Afternoon,

Over the last few weeks I’ve been experiencing the following symptoms:

- dizziness

- lightheadedness

- recurring mild sore throat

- recurring mild headaches

- eye strain

- muscle weakness

- tiredness/fatigue (waking up on a morning and not feeling like i’ve slept)

- waking up in the night

- trouble concentrating

- lack of motivation

- dry skin

- feeling like something is stuck in back of throat

- forgetfulness (short-term memory specially)

I also found a lump/swelling at the bottom of neck which the doctor said was just a Lymph node but I’m not so sure.

Not all these symptoms started at the same time and some kind of go and come back. I have a various blood tests such as Full Blood Count, Liver Function and Haemoglobin etc. Which all came back Normal.

I also had my thyroid function tested. They only tested TSH and T4 and I got the following results:

Serum TSH level 1.00 miu/L

Serum free T4 level 19.4 pmol/L

These apparently are normal and the doctor said there is no need to do other thyroid checks as this is enough to see if there is an issue.

My question is could I still have a thyroid issue despite what the doc said? Thyroid issues do run in my family (hypothyroidism specifically). I’m a 29 year old male and understand thyroid issues are more common in women and also more common in people slightly older than myself.

Regards

Liam

[shaws Administrator]

I'd suggest your get thyroid antibodies tested. Sometimes we can have the beginning of an Autoimmune Thyroid Disease - called Hashimoto's or hashi's and it is the commonest form of hypothyroidism. The antibodies attack the gland and wax and wane until we are hypothyroid and I shall give you a few links.

As hypo runs in your family it could be that you are on the way to become hypo.

All tests for thyroid hormones have to be at the earliest possible, fasting (you can drink water) and if you were taking thyroid hormone replacements you'd allow a gap of 24 hours between dose and test and take afterwards.

Most take thyroid hormones (usually levothyroxine) first thing when they get up with one glass of water. Or at bedtime, as long as they've last eaten about 3 hours before if it was a heavy meal. If you decide bedtime dosing, you miss this dose if having a test next a.m. and take after test and night dose as usual.

You need TSH, T4, T3, Free T4, Free T3 and thyroid antibodies. Vitamin B12, Vit d, iron, ferritin and folate.

If GP or lab wont do all of the thyroid ones, we have two private labs which will do home pin-prick tests and make sure you are well hydrated a couple of days before blood draw.

GP should do vits and minerals.

Always get the ranges of these tests as they help members to respond as labs differ in the ranges and they are necessary to comment upon them.

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

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

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

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

In the UK, doctors have been told not to diagnose until the TSH reaches 10. In other countries we are prescribed when it reaches 3 with symptoms.

[liaminax in reply to shaws]

ThAnk you very much for your advise. The ranges for the test done so far as follows:

Serum TSH level 1.00 miu/L (0.4 - 4.0)

Serum free T4 level 19.4 pmol/L (10.0 - 20.0)

Just after writing my post, I came across this website try.thriva.co/thyroid/ who seem to test for the things you mentioned via a home pin-prick test so I have signed up for that. Hopefully can get to the bottom of things. Thanks for your time.

[shaws Administrator in reply to liaminax]

We have two recommended labs - Blue Horizon and Medichecks and Thyroiduk.org.uk get a very small sum which helps defray office expenses.

Whatever you decide to do, make sure your arms/hands are warm so blood draw is easy. Or they can advise where to get blood drawn.

You can choose whichever lab you wish Thriva or the others. Oh! I forgot, every Thursday Medichecks have a special offer of some sort.

Get a print-out of your results with the ranges for your own records and post if you have a query.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4, TT4, FT3 plus essential to test TPO and TG thyroid antibodies.

Plus very important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12.

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 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.

Link about thyroid blood tests

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

Link about antibodies and Hashimoto's

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

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

List of hypothyroid symptoms

thyroiduk.org/tuk/about_the...

As you have family with Hashimoto's it's important to run full tests

GP will likely dismiss the idea as you are male. Yes it's less likely than being female, but it's even less likely to be tested properly as a result

Medichecks often run Thyroid Thursday offers