He did some explaining but I've forgotten what he said (suffering with memory issues at the moment), about what certain levels mean if they go up and down.
He said that it was 'odd' that my T3 was good, but my TSH was rising. What does that indicate?
He's sending me for blood tests to do further monitoring.
I don't have Hashimotos as I don't have any antibodies, and he says it's unlikely to be a pituitary issue. What else could be causing this? (He's also looking into the possibility that I'm going through premature peri-menopause as well)
Could someone explain what this all means, please?
Thanks
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lily82
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What was his conclusion after the February test? Did he diagnose you? Because you are hypo. Your TSH is over-range and your FT4 is under-range. What more does he want?
Your FT3 isn't quite mid-range. I'm not sure I would call that 'good', given the other levels. It's probably your high TSH driving conversion, but that can't keep up forever because your FT4 is so low. Soon, you'll have nothing to convert. Is he really going to let you get that ill before he does something?
Pity you forgot his explanations, I would have loved to have heard them! Could do with a good laugh after the day I've had!
I've only now seen an endocrinologist, the tests were done through the GP. They refused to refer me, so I went private (endo also works on NHS). So he's likely going to refer me back to the NHS if he thinks I need treatment.
It's not odd that fT3 is good when TSH is rising and fT4 low. This is how it works, as TSH goes up the thyroid converts more T4 to T3 in an attempt to preserve T3 levels since T3 is the active hormone. Your endocrinologist is lacking knowledge, this is about par for the course. You need to receive thyroid hormone treatment.
Oh, I misunderstood. A retest is a good idea. Your low antibody counts show you don't have autoimmune hypothyroidism. It's possible you have thyroiditis that is causing hypothyroidism as your fT4 is low. However, this can work itself out and spontaneously recover so a retest is a prudent step. If your fT4 hasn't recovered I would ask for a trial of levothyroxine, perhaps 50 mcg, more than 25 mcg as it's too little to notice a difference.
I've been ill a lot with infections-I've had chronic untreated Rheumatic Fever (was misdiagnosed several times by GP as having allergies)- waiting to see infectious diseases and a cardiologist. So I've had a lot of episodes of major inflammation and ill health. He asked a lot about my general health. Can infections cause/ trigger thyroiditis? My thyroid levels were fine when they were taken 9 years ago, and that's around the time my periods became more frequent.
I'm also wondering if premature menopause can affect the thyroid, as that's something he's looking into. Having all my hormone levels tested at the same time.
When I was younger, 11+ I had a lot of symptoms of overactive thyroid- and I was having hair loss/ thinning, longer than 10 years ago. That's when the Rheumatic Fever started. Yet now, I've got the opposite symptoms.
More likely being hypo has contributed to premature menopause. All sorts of things can effect the thyroid, including pesticides and herbicides, infections and head injuries.
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)
I was having super heavy and frequent periods for years, which is why they tested my ferritin and thyroid levels. I haven't had a proper period for the past 6 months, and the endo is doing more tests to find out why.
Ferritin 45 ug/L (15-300)
Folate is 20. 7 ug/ L (2-20 ug/L)
B12 259 ng/l (130- 900)
I have been supplementing with B12 and iron, despite being told these levels were 'normal'. I've been taking high doses of B12.
Ferritin needs to be minimum of 70 for good thyroid
But essential to test iron not just assume that low ferritin is also low iron.
B12 is far too low, anything under 500 is likely too low
When supplementing B12 also recommended on here to supplement a good quality vitamin B complex too, one with folate in rather than folic acid
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
I'm hoping that the ferritin levels have sorted themselves out by now, as I was having very heavy and frequent periods. Maybe it was just a temporary thing, as my previous ferritin levels were OK.
Well, it's not *that* odd. Generally, the body does what it can to keep you going and one of the signs of hypo is that FT4 drops and FT3 stays relatively good as the body is putting all its energy into converting what little T4 you have into T3 so you don't die. You are very undermedicated and need an increase in levo. Or if you are not medicated, you should be.
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