Thyroid tests

[EmChar]

Hi I have Pernicious Anemia diagnosed in 2013; originally diagnosed with fibromyalgia and IBS.I have recently obtained all my blood test results. Have been checked for thyroid several times all normal euthyroid. Last test 2017- TSH 1.7 mU/L; Free T4 10pmol/L. But have some symptoms hair loss; fatigue; fogginess; dizziness and headaches thought it was B12 again but level >2000 ng/L; folate 16.5 ug/L only ferritin low 12ug/L but no Anemia and dr did not want to look into it. Should I pursue the thyroid symptoms based on normal results. Thanks for any advice.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

EmChar

But have some symptoms hair loss; fatigue; fogginess; dizziness and headaches

Last test 2017- TSH 1.7 mU/L; Free T4 10pmol/L

Do you have reference ranges for those test results please? If your FT4 is at the bottom of the range, which I'm expecting it is, then you could very well be looking at Central Hypothyroidism which is where the problem is with either the pituitary (Secondary Hypothyroidism) or the hypothalamus (Tertiary Hypothyroidism) and is suggested by TSH low or normal and a low FT4.

[EmChar in reply to SeasideSusie]

Hi the range go TSH is 0.30-4.40 and I read somewhere that the bottom of FT4 range is 10poml/L but no range given. I have been feeling unwell for 3 years with dibilitating IBS symptoms and am under gastroenterologist for this. Are my ferritin results related to this? If it is Central Hypothyroidism or pituitary how do I approach my gp about this. Thanks for help.

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to EmChar]

EmChar

I read somewhere that the bottom of FT4 range is 10poml/L but no range given

Ranges vary from lab to lab so you need the range from the lab that did your test. My GP's lab range is 7-17, we also often see on the forum 9-19, 12-22, and others. So you could be in range or below range. Ask for a print out of your results from your surgery's reception desk, it should be on there.

Articles about Central Hypothyroidism that you can present to your GP.

This one he will be able to see the whole article as he probably subscribes to the BMJ, whereas we as the general public can't, click on READ MORE in the SUMMARY

bestpractice.bmj.com/topics...

Also ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

As Central Hypothyroidism isn't as common as Primary Hypothyroidism it's likely that your GP hasn't come across it before. You may need to be referred to an endocrinologist. If so then please make absolutely sure that it is a thyroid specialist that you see. Most endos are diabetes specialists and know little about the thyroid gland (they like to think they do and very often end up making us much more unwell that we were before seeing them). You can email Dionne at:

[e-mail]

for the list of thyroid friendly endos. Then ask on the forum for feedback on any that you can get to. Then if your GP refers you, make sure it is to one recommended here. It's no guarantee that they will understand Central Hypothyroidism but it's better than seeing a diabetes specialist. You could also ask on the forum if anyone has been successful in getting a diagnosis of Central Hypothyroidism, possibly in your area which you'll have to mention of course.

What's your doctor doing about your low ferritin? For thyroid hormone to work (that's our own as well as replacement hormone, but don't expect your doctor to know this) ferritin needs to be at least 70, preferably half way through range. With a level of 12, even though you don't have any anaemia, it needs raising, best way is an iron infusion as that will get the level up within 24-48 hours, tablets will take many months.

Low ferritin apparently cause gastro-intestinal problems - see restartmed.com/low-ferritin/

[EmChar in reply to SeasideSusie]

Hi thanks for all the information I will look into all this. The ranges For FT4 are not on the print out from GP. GP said some people have low ferritin and they are not monitoring it. Hopefully I can get some answers soon. Thanks again.

[StellaRose1]

If you have low blood pressure when standing get a "tilt table" test. You might have dysautonomia which is extremely under diagnosed. You have all of the symptoms for it and it is so easy to rule out if you don't have it. Just get your blood pressure tested sitting and then standing. If it drops or if you have low blood pressure in general this could be the base of your problems.