I looking for some advice please, after a frustrating appointment with my gp.
I have been feeling pretty terrible for about 7 months, with frequent periods, eczema ridden skin, extreme fatigue, allergic rhinitis, body aches, some weight gain, sleep apnea and insomnia, and intolerance to alcohol. Went for thyroid function tests and this was the result:
TSH 4.67 range 0.34 - 5.6
FT4 7.01 range 7.5 - 21.1
Saw gp and was told yes it’s a bit underactive, but let’s try bloods again in 6 weeks. Nothing more, no even any advice on how I can manage symptoms in the meantime. Is the gp waiting for my levels to get better or worse?! As my symptoms have worsened every month I imagine I’ll be completely bedridden soon.
Does anyone have advise on how I can try to make myself feel better in the meantime please?, I have 2 kids that need me to stop napping all the time 😴😴
He's not waiting for either, he's simply following the protocol. As other things that under-active thyroid can cause elevated TSH, such as a virus, he's doing a retest to make sure that it really is an under-active thyroid that is causing your TSH to be high. I doubt he knows anything about symptoms.
And there's not really much you can do to make yourself feel better. Make sure you get as much rest as possible and eat well, they're the main things - although they won't get rid of symptoms. Try taking some vit C. And/or magnesium. You probably have low nutrients, most hypos do. But, don't rush into taking a multi-vit, that could do more harm than good. Next time you get your test, ask for vit D, vit B12, folate and ferritin to be tested, too.
When you go for your next test, make sure the blood draw is early in the morning - at least before 9 am - and fast over-night. That way you will get the highest TSH, which will reassure your GP.
Thank you greygoose, I had my vits tested in May and they are all normal. I have Graves disease which was treated but no hyper symptoms for 4 years. I’ve never had these symptoms before but maybe it’s perimenopause 😏!
Sounds far more like you had Hashimoto's, which often has slightly hyper blood results in early stages
Did GP or endo actually ever test for Graves antibodies. That's TSI or TRab antibodies
Please add your vitamin results and ranges from May
For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4, FT3 plus TPO and TG thyroid antibodies and also very important to retest 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
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 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, GP will be unaware)
If TPO and/or TG 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 .
Absolutely essential to test both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies
Also May is a long time ago, you likely need all vitamins retesting
GP's are supposed to test thyroid bloods twice, at least a few weeks apart, to rule out temporary blip, before starting, what is likely to be a lifetime medication.
If you have repeat blood tests as early as possible in morning and fasting. This gives highest TSH and most consistent results
There's no such thing as normal. When a doctor says 'normal', all he means is 'in-range'. But, as the ranges are so vast, it's more important to look at where they fall in the range. Do you have the actual numbers - results and ranges? You absolutely need to see these things for yourself and not just take your doctor's word for anything. He has no idea what normal is!
I would suggest seeing a homeopathist who is good with fatigue in the mean time. They cannot fix yor thyroid but can help with the symptoms.Also rosemary baths or shower gells and a scrubby brush.Lettice is a suprising great pick me up, buy a couple of organic ones and nibble a few leaves every day. You need to start some vitamin D about now and yours is propably too low already, it can help with all the aches and pains.You can buy some ferrous sulphate and take untill the blood test to up your iron. B12 patches might also help.Thyroid function is dependant on these vits and minterals and you can improve your bodys update of thyroid hormones by taking them. Copious use of grandparents and electronic baby sitters sounds in order and help with the cleaning has made a huge difference to me and never seems a waste of money even though on low income. It is possible to treat your own thyroid but I would think you might be better getting diagnosed by GP.Self treatment is expensive and sources of medication come and go. You are clearly hypothyroid re your T4 result being so low. It clearly indicates longterm hypothyroidism but GP will rely on TSH. Take advice re suggested blood tests given by others and keep in touch, we can offer sympathy and join in a good moan if your need that kind of support.Do get back to us after the next blood test, especially if heaven forbid and unlikely it comes back 'normal'.
If you are managing to nag the kids while feeling so ill I take my hat off to you. It indicates and caring and motivated parent and I am sure will do no harm.
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