Hi everyone, I posted a while back about possible undiagnosed Hypothyroidism and had some really helpful and interesting advice (thanks again). However I am still continuing to have many persistent symptoms, which I suspect could be related to a Hypothyroidism, but then again have my doubts - this is mainly because I tend to lose weight really easily and quickly (but also gain easily).
My main symptoms that have been ongoing for many years are:
Fatigue
Memory problems/poor concentration
Tinnitus
Dry eyes
Acid reflux/slow digestion
Anxiety and depression
Hair thinning
Weak, bendy nails
More recently, ectopics (diagnosed by cardio pulmonary exercise test)
I don't have dry skin or as mentioned before, difficulty losing weight. My B12 is within normal range, but my iron and calcium levels are sometimes low. TSH and T4 always come back as 'normal'.
I would appreciate any advice in relation to Thyroid disorders and what type mine could relate to. Also is it possible to be Hypothyroid and not have difficulty losing weight?
Thanks in advance
These were my last Thyroid blood test results: Serum TSH 1.15 ml (normal range 0.34 - 5.6) and T4 level 9.30 pmol (7.5 - 21.1). As expected, GP said they were 'normal', but to me they look on the low end of normal.
Being hypothyroid - unexplained weight gain plus heart playing up could very well be hypo. You can also tick off other symptoms you may have:-
thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...
If you have thyroid antibodies - (you should have a check) then you'd have an Autoimmunr Thyroid Disease called Hashimoto's or hashi's but treatment is the same. Going gluten-free can help reduce the antibodies as they attack the gland and wax and wane until hypothyroid.
Always get a print-out of your blood results with the ranges for your own records and post if you have a query.
It is not enough for B12 or any other vitamin/mineral to be 'in range' - they all have to be at an optimum (near the top).
All blood tests have to be at the earliest, make advance appointments, fasting (you can drink water) and allow a gap of 24 hours between last dose of levo and test and take afterwards.
Hi Shaws, thank you for all the info. I had been looking into private blood tests for Thyroid - as I understand from many posts on this forum, Medichecks and Blue Horizon are the main choices. My GP (as I'm sure many others do) only test for TSH and T4 and if those are within 'normal' range, then you're fine!
Would the GP take private blood test results into account? Also, is a pinprick test as reliable as venous collection? Not sure whether to opt for the d.i.y one or go to a clinic.
Thanks again!