Autoimmune Thyroid Conditions

[StillExhausted]

I’m a 41 yo female experiencing many of the symptoms of an under active thyroid. In January my I had a routine over 40’s health check in which my thyroxin levels(?) and T4 we’re tested. Nothing abnormal was noted. I also have an autoimmune condition, my parents are both hypothyroid and my twin brother is also under an endocrinologist (and also has ulcerative colitis)..... I am aware that there is an autoimmune thyroid condition and wish to understand how this is tested before I return to my GP. I recently saw a locum doctor at our surgery, and having explained my symptoms and history, was told that the two thyroid tests I’d had in January would highlight any problems. Does anyone know if this is accurate as I was under the impression that an autoimmune related thyroid condition was only detected through the specific antibody test.....?

[StillExhausted]

Thank you!

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

StillExhausted

Thyroid antibodies explained in this article on ThyroidUK's main website

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

So for full testing you'd need

TSH

FT4

FT3

TPO antibodies

TG antibodies

[StillExhausted in reply to SeasideSusie]

Brilliant, I’ll take a look! Thank you!

[rosserk in reply to SeasideSusie]

Just read this and noted that the level of antibodies can correlate with the severity of illness, which would seem to confirm the lower the antibodies the better we will feel. Making it even more important to follow a gluten free diet. Thanks SeaSideSusie 💐

[greygoose]

T4 is thyroxine. The two tests you had were probably TSH and FT4. And, no, they will not give all the necessary information by a long chalk. The locum was totally wrong on that point. They certainly wouldn't tell you if you have autoimmune thyroiditis - Hashimoto's. You need the antibody tests for that, as the others have said.

[StillExhausted in reply to greygoose]

Thank you!

[greygoose in reply to StillExhausted]

You're welcome.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

For full Thyroid evaluation you need 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, lowest FT4 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 are very common too, especially gluten. So it's very important to get both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested at least once .

[StillExhausted in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you!