Help for granddaughter please

[APAscot]

I have hyperthyroidism and asked people on this forum about having radioactive iodine which I didn't think was right for me. I was told to avoid it and have done so. Thank you

My 20 year old granddaughter is stacking on weight (I know this is usually due to hypothyroidism) admittedly she is eating a lot (I think due to stress/anxiety?) but I have noticed her eyes seem to be bulging and the whites are yellowish with what appear to be veins showing (having googled this I've said she should get a liver enzyme test). Graves? She gets sweaty, has irregular periods, is irritable and some other symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Could you please tell me what tests she should ask her GP to do.

Many thanks

[SlowDragon Administrator]

For full Thyroid evaluation she needs TSH, FT4, TT4, FT3 plus 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 common too, especially gluten. So it's important to get antibodies tested, especially with autoimmune thyroid disease in close family

[APAscot in reply to SlowDragon]

Many thanks SlowDragon - will let her know straight away. Should we say this is advice Thyroid UK give?

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to APAscot]

Thyroid UK is the recommended NHS suport group, these are the blood tests recommended for full evaluation of possible thyroid problems

[APAscot in reply to SlowDragon]

Thanks again - good to know, so no disputing request.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to APAscot]

GP often refuses to test anything other than TSH, and sometimes FT4

Hence so many forced to get private testing

Very important to test vitamins and both antibodies plus FT3

[APAscot in reply to SlowDragon]

Thanks again. Not sure how sympathetic her GP is - can but hope!

[Marz in reply to APAscot]

How did things go for your grand daughter ?

[APAscot in reply to Marz]

Thanks for asking Marz. Unfortunately, in spite of my constant pushing, she did nothing. I think she was probably just under an inordinate amount of stress at the time. She seems to be levelling out at the moment but will have a good look at her on Thursday when I see her.

[Marz in reply to APAscot]

Hope all goes well. I know how difficult it is to watch our family struggle ...