Thyroid and depression

[Nicki24110]

Ok, so I’ve been to my gp yet again after my 6 week blood test which has dropped slightly and now is 4.57 from 5.97. My GP is now saying that the symptoms I have are depression! She has tried to give me antidepressants! WHat the hell?

[Kell-E]

That is pretty typical. They try to chalk everything up to depression and shove a pill at you.

Have you thought of finding a different doctor or treating yourself?

[Nicki24110 in reply to Kell-E]

Hi, I’ve got an appointment next week with a different doctor

[Kell-E in reply to Nicki24110]

Good for you! Don't be too disappointed though if the next one is no better. You may have to advocate strongly for yourself. Others have mentioned information you benefit from reading and bringing with you to your appointment. Good luck!

[greygoose]

Well, she doesn't know anything about thyroid, does she. As a general rule, GPs don't. But they do know they get brownie points for prescribing antidepressants, so that's what they like to do.

I take it that it's your TSH (a pituitary hormone) that has dropped to 4.57? Was the blood draw done at the same time as the last one? If so, then you need your antibodies tested - well, you need them tested, anyway. If your doctor is only testing your TSH, then she really has no idea of your true thyroid status.

Besides, you are hypo when your TSH hits 3. It's just the NHS that likes to let you suffer until it goes over 10.

[Nicki24110 in reply to greygoose]

Yeah TSH is at 4.57. Bloods were done first thing in the morning like last time, I refused to be prescribed antidepressants, I’m not depressed it’s my flipping thyroid but she’s useless

[greygoose in reply to Nicki24110]

Most of them are, I'm afraid.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Nicki

Did you have your test done first thing in the morning, no later than 9am, and did you fast overnight? This gives the highest possible TSH.

SlowDragon gave you some information and links in one of your previous posts about TSH over 4 but less than 10 and raised antibodies. You should maybe take this information and see a different doctor and ask for a trial of Levo

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

Also, did you email Dionne as Shaws suggested, for a copy of the Pulse article by Dr Toft suggesting that if antibodies are present we should be prescribed Levo as it can "nip things in the bud". The information is in reply to Question 2 so you could also show that to your GP.

[ShinyB]

Stick to your guns!

Thyroid antibodies will make your TSH fluctuate.

Ask for a second opinion and a referral to an endocrinologist, for more extensive testing.

Good luck