Confused and unsure

[Becca18]

Hi all, thanks for reading first and foremost.

I’ve experienced symptoms of hypothyroidism for some time now, e.g. cold extremities (even when under blankets with socks, hoodie and gloves on) weight gain, loss of libido, constant tiredness (despite keeping regular bedtimes) constipation (more than my usual IBS symptoms) some depressed thoughts (proper down in dumps)

3 years ago when I thought symptoms could be hypo, I had a test done via the doctor - all came back “fine”. I have recently moved and changed doctors and seeing as symptoms haven’t improved (felt worse to be honest in recent months although circumstances in personal life have been fine, no added stresses whatsoever) this new doctor test also said all “fine”.

The reason for my post is that since joining this site and coming across the test centre, Medichecks online from a colleague who suggested it, it’s had me think that my results could have been deemed “fine” but albeit at the lower end of the “acceptable fine” range and thus could be why I was palmed off by the doctors. Is it possible that my results were actually that low to actually have a thyroid issue and the doctor just didn’t want to help as to them, it’s acceptable and in tolerant ranges?

I don’t know where else to go with this. I eat well, I make all my and OH meals from scratch (no excess salt or sugar, we don’t go overboard, good portion control) we exercise, no major stress in life, no children (yet!) I sleep at regular bedtimes, I do all the right things but still feel grotty.

Does anyone recommend a test by Medichecks? Are they a snake oil company? If not, which test should I do? Is there any thing to try before using them? Any help or advice would be greatly received. Thanks once again for reading.

[Lancsrc12]

Hi Becca, did you get a copy of your test results? If not I think you should, as there are lots of people here who will help you to understand them and give helpful advice which will be useful when you talk to your GP. Best of luck to you and hope you feel better soon.

[Becca18 in reply to Lancsrc12]

Thanks for replying and no I didn’t think to get a copy. I’m due an asthma review on Wednesday, perhaps I’ll sweet talk the nurse into copying them for me 😉

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Becca18]

You are legally entitled to printed copies of your blood test results and ranges. If you request results they can not refuse

UK GP practices are supposed to offer online access for blood test results. Ring and ask if this is available and apply to do so if possible, if it is you may need enhanced access to see blood results.

In reality many GP surgeries do not have blood test results online yet

Alternatively ring receptionist and request printed copies of results. Allow couple of days and then go and pick up. They can no longer charge for printing out, rules changed after May 25th 2018

[Becca18 in reply to SlowDragon]

That’s great to know, thanks!

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Literally thousands on here forced to use private testing. Majority use Medichecks or Blue Horizon

Medichecks has offer on today as it's "Thyroid Thursday "

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4, 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 or vitamins

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...

Link about antibodies and Hashimoto's

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

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

List of hypothyroid symptoms

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

The fact you have IBS and gut issues suggests could be autoimmune thyroid and/or food intolerance.

[Becca18 in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you for your detailed reply. I’ve been reading more on Medichecks since your recommendation but can’t find the test you describe with TPO and TG, can you point me in the right direction please?