Thyroid treatment

[Sadienerin]

Hi all. I've finally had an endocrinology appointment to check for Hashimoto's, as a previous test revealed an elevated TgAb of 72 (range <40). The repeat bloods done last week, are only partially in. The antibodies are one of the ones that are not yet in. However from the previous results, the endocrinologist said it could be Graves, or Hashimoto's, although I've been told by many that it's Hashimoto's, so what is correct? Also, my TSH, is still within range, being the low end of normal (1.6), but my free T4 has dropped below normal at 8. What does this mean? Lastly, I was told that my TSH would need to be 10 or higher before they'd treat. Upon looking at all the lab ranges, it looks like they go to 4 before they're out of range, so it normal to have to wait for it to reach 10 before treatment commences? If so, why does it have to be at least 10? Why don't they treat above 4? I can't see a point of a range up to 4 if they don't treat until it reaches 10. Would welcome any answers, thank you. x

[greygoose]

I wish I had one! It's the most illogical thing in medicine. But, seems to me that they really, really do not want to diagnose people with hypothyroidism, and insisting the TSH gets to 10 first, is one way of weeding out a lot of people, because some people TSH just never gets that high. Rather a cynical view, but they really would rather diagnose you with hyper than hypo - and very often refuse the tests that prove you have Hashi's, so that they can treat for Grave's! It's crazy!

Even your endo wanted to diagnose you with Grave's. But, an under-range FT4 says unequivocally that it is Hashi's. Your endo can't get round that, no matter how hard he tries.

Even if your TSH is still in range, he ought to treat with an under-range fT4 and high antibodies. But, you might have to insist!

[Sadienerin in reply to greygoose]

Yes, he was too busy trying to diagnose me with CFS or Fibromyalgia. I had been complaining of hypo symptoms for some time, before I had my antibodies tested, but had to pay for the initial ab testing myself. The endo is NHS however, after a fight to get to see one, but feel like I'm still getting nowhere He said studies revealed that despite complaints by patients, symptoms do not occur before the tsh is elevated :/ xx

[greygoose in reply to Sadienerin]

He's an idiot. He should have it, himself, then he'd know! You can have hypo symptoms with a TSH of 2!

Endos, for the most part, just aren't worth seeing. They really mess people up with their weird ideas and sadistic tendencies - not to mention their lack of knowledge. For the most part, they're diabetes specialist who think that treating thyroid is a doddle. Well, I suppose it is, if you never actually diagnose anybody!

[Sadienerin in reply to greygoose]

My TSH was 2 eight months ago, however I have read that thyroid bloods should be taken in the morning and before any food or drink other than water. My bloods this time were taken in the afternoon, after breakfast, lunch and many drinks other than water (non alcoholic drinks), so it may have been higher had I had it taken when I should have. However, I did not know about this until a moment ago. x

[greygoose in reply to Sadienerin]

Oh, it would most definitely have been higher at 8 am and fasting. TSH is highest early in the morning, and drops throughout the day. It also drops after eating. But doctors don't seem to have any idea about that. They think it doesn't matter when you have the test done. I think it's a fiendish plot to exclude even more people from a hypo diagnosis. So, they won't tell you about it.

[Sadienerin in reply to greygoose]

Yes it certainly seems that way It's a shame patients aren't listened to properly x

[Sadienerin in reply to greygoose]

Thank you for your answers xx

[Marymary7]

This sad story is repeated so many times on here. If this applied more to men than women would our treatment be taken notice of. My antithyroglobulin blood result is in the hundreds....

[BBBOA in reply to Marymary7]

Mine is 1000 +, and they don't even give the figure anymore!!!

My TSH is 8.5 and definitely mixed opinions about treatment.!!

[Sadienerin in reply to BBBOA]

I'm so sorry. That just isn't fair xx

[Unhole in reply to Marymary7]

I was only thinking this a few days ago myself Mary...is hypothyroid diagnosis and treatment a gender issue and discriminatory in its treatment? (if that’s the right term)... I’m beginning to think it is!

[Sadienerin in reply to Unhole]

So sorry Big hugs to you all ❤ xx

[Sadienerin in reply to Marymary7]

I'm so sorry. This is so wrong, on so many levels. Why should people be left to suffer like this xx

[Sadienerin]

Does anybody please know a good private endocrinologist in London and the surrounding areas, that is more sympathetic to Hashimoto's? xxx