Blood tests normal....but things are anything but!

[Estherina]

I have been suffering all the symptoms of Hypothyroid for a few years - fatigue, hair loss, weight gain, swelling and puffiness, dry skin and regular oral thrush, which i understand to be a sign of a lowered immune system. I have also developed intolerances to food and wine. As my mother and her 3 siblings all have various auto immune conditions, i wonder if I have Hashimotos. Also my Mother, aunty and sister all have nodules on their thyroid. My mother has recently had a partial thyroidectomy.

Despite all of this my GP ( I have seen a few) maintains that my blood tests are normal. There is nothing wrong and that is that. They have uncovered Vit D and iron deficiencies and say they are causing my symptoms. They do not even seem to think that the family history is any cause for concern.

I have attempted to eliminate any foods that may inflame my immune system. I have been gluten, dairy and grain free for over a year. And this has definitely improved my symptoms. I also stopped all of the rigorous exercise and started swimming 3 times a week. I finally de-puffed and lost some weight! My brain fog and exhaustion dissipated. I also take supplements (magnesium, biotin,ashwaghanda, Zinc, Selenium, Pro Biotic, Vits A, D, E, Bs, iron, gluthione)

But I want to properly understand what is wrong with me. Is my gut instinct right that my thyroid is not functioning properly? Or is the GP right - there is nothing wrong and a healthier diet has just made me feel better?

Can anyone recommend a specialist who sees beyond the blood test results and looks at the patient and symptoms and genetic history? I would be prepared to travel anywhere in the UK.

Thank you

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Estherina

Hard to comment without any test results.

Can you please post your results, with their reference ranges, and members will interpret.

Also, what were your Vit D and Iron levels, and what are you taking for them? As you are taking D3, are you also taking it's important cofactors magnesium and Vit K2-MK7 vitamindcouncil.org/about-v...

I see that you are taking ashwaghanda. Although this is meant to be an adaptogen and balance cortisol, it actually lowers cortisol so please be aware of that.

Also, as you are taking biotin, when having blood tests then leave it off for 3-5 days before hand as it can skew results.

If you are looking for a thyroid friendly endo, email Dionne at [e-mail] and she will send you a list. Ask for feedback on the forum from members for any endos that you can get to, replies will have to be by private message.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Very unlikely you had full Thyroid testing through GP

For full Thyroid evaluation 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, 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.

If you are taking vitamin B complex, or any supplements containing biotin, remember to stop these 3-5 days before any blood tests, as biotin can falsely affect test results

endo.confex.com/endo/2016en...

endocrinenews.endocrine.org...

[Estherina in reply to SlowDragon]

Thanks so much

I did get the full testing through Blue Horizon - all normal. So it makes me wonder if my symptoms really are down to something different. Don't know where to turn next.

And apparently I'm not celiac so there is no reason to think I'm intolerant to gluten my GP says. Except I absolutely know that I react badly to it and have definitely seen improvements since cutting it out entirely!

I did not know that about Biotin! Thank you!

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Estherina]

If you can add the actual results and ranges members can advise.

Just because they are in range doesn't necessarily mean they are fine

Gluten intolerance is massively under diagnosed

Not everyone with Hashimoto's has raised antibodies

thyroidpharmacist.com/artic...