Hi, I’m a rather complicated person healthwise and already have diagnoses and treatment for B12 deficiency, Idiopathic Angioedema and Delayed Pressure Urticaria. I am also overweight and my hair is thinner than it was 5 years ago by about half. I’m 35 and every doctor I’ve ever seen has tested me for a thyroid problem since I was 16 years old, almost one test a year since then, and it’s everyone’s first go to. Apart from one test back in 2010 where it was 1.8, my levels have been consistently around the TSH 2.4/2.5 mark but this week my levels were at TSH 4.4, the highest by far its ever been, and T4 11. My doctor says this is “normal” I know that it isn’t. My blood test also came back with a “slightly worrying” liver function test. I have a doctors app on Wednesday and I’d like to go armed with as much info as possible. Looking at Thyroid UK’s checklist I’ve got about 90% of the symptoms for Hypothyroidism. The one thing (which may seem silly to say) is that my cat was recently diagnosed with Hyperthyroidism and his bloods came back with a dodgy liver function too! Is the liver function test linked to the Thyroid result? Any info would be super helpful! Help and thanks in advance!
Hypothyroidism??: Hi, I’m a rather complicated... - Thyroid UK
Hypothyroidism??
Your GP should be testing thyroid antibodies and vitamins
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 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_...
As you have PA it's more likely to have Hashimoto's as both are autoimmune
Urticaria linked to Hashimoto's too
verywellhealth.com/thyroid-...
My gp did do a full blood count and everything was “normal”. My b12 shows I have enough even though it always shows this yet I’m still symptomatic. I have a referral from haematology though allowing me to get my injections when I need them regardless of results.
I’ll definitely get private tests done.
I was borderline coeliac and have numerous food intolerances and allergies. Been gluten free for 5 years, allergic to soy and coloursbts and sweeteners and alcohol is often a trigger for my swelling.
I don’t have PA, but ‘just’ a b12 deficiency. My body can’t absorb it at all through food or supplements.
I have always known that it is likely that I have a thyroid problem and very aware that b12 deficiency and Urticaria are autoimmune and related.
I’ve looked at the symptoms list before and have or suffer from almost all of them.
It’s no coincidence I’m sure that I’ve had my other conditions almost as king as doctors have been testing my thyroid...
Thanks for your advice!! 
It's likely your low B12 is due to being hypothyroid
Not that your hypothyroid due to low B12
Thyroid was likely the originator of all the problems
Yes, I’m sure you’re right. Only that the b12 is the only thing the doctor will accept is an issue and even then I have to keep showing them my letter from haematology proving that regardless of my bloods if I’m symptomatic I need my injection! I just want one doctor to look at everything rather than everything individually!
When a doctor says 'normal', all he means is 'in-range'. That's the extent of his thyroid knowledge. But, the ranges are so wide that you couldn't possibly be 'normal' at every point. In fact, you are hypo when your TSH hits 3. But, I doubt you'll find a doctor in the NHS that knows that.
Being hypo can affect your liver.
ELM. We have someone on th eforum who is an auditor for thyroid health for her local authority. I think I havegot this right. The advice she has been given is to inform and inform your doctors, keep them updated on all your symptoms on paper for legal purposes and too improve your own care.So you need towrite a letter before the next appointment stating your past history, current symptoms and reasurch to back up your understanding that you havea thyroid condition. I would hand this into the doctor a few days before appointment and ask for it to be included on your notes ready for discussion when you meet.
Thanks, this is interesting. Sounds like a very good idea!
Yes, thyroid and lots of other health conditions affect liver functions. That's why it is most commonly and first checked blood markers not necessarily meaning that liver itself is affected or unhealthy.
Hi, My last full blood test showed somewhat out of range results for liver and kidney damage as well. The highest measured TSH was just under 6 and I wasn't very well, in spite of T4 being in range. The next test I think it was about 4.7. The lowest, on the last test, was 3.99 and I still felt far from right. Ideally it should be less than 1 for us hypo sufferers and T4 near top of range or even slightly above.
There was more fuss about the high cholesterol (that's another story!!!, except that high cholesterol can also be a result of hypothyroidism). Thankfully I was finally listened to and given an increase in thyroxine, which may be enough this time.
To conclude, a TSH of 4.4 is too high, whatever they say. And with proper thyroid support the liver and kidney, and probably most of the other things, should improve as well
Thanks. Yeah, generally speaking I’ve not been well since 2002, but the past few weeks I’ve really not been good.
Hope you get it sorted very soon. Don't give up. Take them a list of your symptoms and how they affect your wellbeing and your life in general. Ask for a trial of a higher dose of Levo. To refuse a patient treatment to try and get them well is neglect - legally a form of abuse.
Well I’ve not had anything yet so giving me anything for this would be a bonus!
I didn't get anything until (I think in May) I had a slight virus infection that knocked me for six, and wasn't much better when it went. Eventually, I phoned the doctor's and when he rang back (it's hard to get to actually SEE anyone) I had problems concentrating enough to talk properly - couldn't remember the right words to express what I was trying to say. He told me I was "Confused" which was very annoying. But at least he sent me for a blood test, which in another week or two resulted in the first prescription of Levothyroxine.
As I said, don't give up. Tell them that whatever your blood levels you do not feel well, and whether they are in range or not they are obviously not optimal for you!
This is a very individual condition. Probably there are a few people who feel fine on a TSH of over 4, you do not. You may not feel better until it's under 1, and until then you need treating!
This seems very familiar. I’ve had a few life changing events in the last few months but I’ve been. Impletwlt spaced out or “not with it” or feeling like my brain is full and can’t take any more for most of this year. This is all beginning to make a lot of sense!
Know the feeling! Not so bad recently, but still takes me by surprise sometimes by coming on suddenly. I really embarrassed myself yesterday when shopping, really doolally at the checkout!
Just have to laugh sometimes don’t you! I very meaningfully start a great story then can’t remember have of the facts when it gets to them! Ridiculous!
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