Abnormal results since 2009 just recieving treatment

[Mitch2897]

Hi, you guys helped me to convince my 15yr daughter's doctor to give her treatment so thank you. However our Doctors have just allowed access to blood test results online so wanted your opinion if possible. For years we have been going to the doctor about different things and putting lots down to my daughter having Hypermobility Syndrome but on looking at her test results her TSH levels have been classed as abnormal on their system since 2009 (except 1yr just in range) and they have done nothing. I'm really angry and upset about this and don't know if and how I should get this looked into. Any help or advise would be really appreciated.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Mitch

It depends on the result. Even if TSH over range, if it's less than 10 then their guidelines say not to treat. Can you list the tests, results and reference ranges so members can comment.

[Mitch2897 in reply to SeasideSusie]

Wow that high. Yes she's never been higher than 6.8. I will get the results. Most of the time they only tested the TSH and even now won't entertain the idea of t3 testing etc. Thank you.

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Mitch2897]

Mitch2897

You could get your daughter to do a Medichecks test (fingerprick or venous blood draw) to include the full thyroid panel, also current vitamins and minerals would be useful.

medichecks.com/thyroid-func...

That tests

TSH

FT4

FT3

TPO and TG antibodies

Vit D

B12

Folat

Ferritin

If TSH is above 4 and below 10 with symptoms of hypothyroidism then that is subclinical hypothyroidism and you could ask for a trial of Levo. If antibodies are also present then that indicates autoimmune thyroid disease aka Hashimoto's and she should be started on Levo to "nip things in the bud" according to Dr Toft in his article in Pulse magazine (the magazine for doctors)

"The combination of a normal serum T4 and raised serum TSH is known as subclinical hypothyroidism. If measured, serum T3 will also be normal. Repeat the thyroid function tests in two or three months in case the abnormality represents a resolving thyroiditis.2 But if it persists then antibodies to thyroid peroxidase should be measured.

If these are positive – indicative of underlying autoimmune thyroid disease – the patient should be considered to have the mildest form of hypothyroidism.

In the absence of symptoms some would simply recommend annual thyroid function tests until serum TSH is over 10mU/l or symptoms such as tiredness and weight gain develop. But a more pragmatic approach is to recognise that the thyroid failure is likely to become worse and try to nip things in the bud rather than risk loss to follow-up."

You can obtain a copy of the article by emailing Dionne at [e-mail] print it and highlight question 2 to show your doctor.

[Mitch2897 in reply to SeasideSusie]

That's is fantastic thank you so much, lots of info and help. Just been referred to the Chronic Fatigue in Bath as she sleeps upto 18hrs a day a couple of times a week. I will definitely do those. You have put me at ease. I was very upset as all maternal side has had or got it and I have read that untreated can lead to heart problems and all maternal side has had heart by pass or died from heart attack so I went into a bit of a panic. Will do both straight away thank you.. really appreciate it. on a totally different subject is there somewhere that shows you private endocrinologists that specialises in the thyroid or am I just being greedy and to hopeful

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Mitch2897]

Mitch2897

Information about subcinical hypothyroidism

thyroiduk.org/tuk/about_the...

Guidelines for the Use of thyroid Function Tests

The 'UK Guidelines for the Use of Thyroid Function Tests' state that, "There is no evidence to support the benefit of routine early treatment with thyroxine in non-pregnant patients with a serum TSH above the reference range but <10mU/L (II,B). Physicians may wish to consider the suitability of a therapeutic trial of thyroxine on an individual patient basis." If your TSH is above the range but less than 10, discuss a therapeutic trial of thyroxine with your doctor.

Subclinical hypothyroidism (where there are elevated TSH levels, but normal FT4 levels, possibly with symptoms) has been found in approximately 4% to 8% of the general population but in approximately 15% to 18% of women over 60 years of age.

Subclinical hypothyroidism can progress to overt hypothyroidism (full hypothyroidism with symptoms) especially if there are thyroid antibodies present.

If thyroid antibodies are found, then you may have Hashimoto's disease. If there are thyroid antibodies but the other thyroid tests are normal, there is evidence that treatment will stop full blown hypothyroidism from occurring.

btf-thyroid.org/information...

What is mild thyroid failure or subclinical hypothyroidism?

Sometimes the level of hypothyroidism is so slight that there are no obvious symptoms and it can only be detected by blood tests. It may be discovered as a result of blood tests for another autoimmune disorder or because there is a history of thyroid disorders in the family.

A blood test result showing a slightly raised TSH level with a normal FT4 level indicates that you may have mild thyroid failure or subclinical hypothyroidism, and that you may have an increased risk of eventually developing hypothyroidism. You should have a regular thyroid function test and consult your doctor if you notice any symptoms, as you may benefit from treatment.

And if you email Dionne at

[e-mail]

she will send you the list of thyroid friendly endos. Ask on the forum for feedback on any that you can get to, but make it clear (maybe in the title of your thread) that it's for a 15 year old child as someone may have experience of a thyroid friendly/child friendly endo!

[SlowDragon Administrator]

If you add the results and ranges then members can advise

For full Thyroid evaluation your daughter needs TSH, FT4, TT4, FT3 plus TPO and TG thyroid antibodies and also 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 important to get TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested at least once .

Link about thyroid blood tests

thyroiduk.org/tuk/testing/t...

[Mitch2897 in reply to SlowDragon]

Brilliant I will look them up and do that. She has never had her FT4, TT4, FT3 tested. Will check TPO and TG. She has just been put on foliate tablets as it was 1.7. I will go back and double check everything and also check out all the info you have given. Thank you

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Mitch2897]

Ehlers danlos (hyper mobility syndrome ) is possibly an autoimmune condition?

If so, may be linked to Hashimoto's as well. Once we have one autoimmune condition, others are more likely

[Mitch2897 in reply to SlowDragon]

Oh never knew that, I have lots to follow up on and read. Thank you very much