So I have been feeling unwell for quite a while, stomach problems, depression, no energy etc, severe headaches, puffy. I come to learn that the blood tests I completed 6 months ago showed that I had elevated TSH levels (being almost at 5). I had a second round of blood tests last week to learn that they are at 4.4 (so still raised but normalising) but I still feel unwell, if not worse. My doctor has told me to phone in for some repeat blood tests 3-6 months later but I don't feel that this is sufficient, I'd also like to be tested for antibodies associated with hashimoto's disease to see if there is an autoimmune cause to this. My question is this: am I overreacting as my TSH are only slightly over the normal level? Is it possible that I do have an autoimmune issue being only 21 with no previous family history of any autoimmune issues to my knowledge? should I arrange a full thyroid panel privately?
21 with potential hypothyroidism but unsure. - Thyroid UK
21 with potential hypothyroidism but unsure.
When I was a couple years older than yourself my TSH of 5.30 was deemed normal (where cutoff is 5.50) with TSH of 4.20 eight months later. I was already suffering for some years by that time.
You are not overreacting at all. Many on this board can assure you of that. Estimates of 95% of the population have a TSH below 2.50 and you are only 21.
Do yourself a favour and get that full thyroid panel done!
treatment starts in most countrys in the world when your TSH reaches 3.The uk has the widest range of normality. I think a full thyroid panel would be helpful,bluehorizens used to do deals for TUK members.When ever you have your thyroid bloods done again at the GP make sure it is first thing in the morning before eating as your TSH is likely to be higher then. Also you need to have done your Vit amin D, vitamin B12, folate and ferretin as these all effect thyroid function. If you have your latest blood results from GP please post so we can all comment further.There are various issues that can lead to hypothyroidism, autimmune being one of them and the most likely in your case.I think it is becoming more common. Fluoride in water can be a factor and I suspect air pollution is affecting peoples thyroids.It is a very sensitive organ.You may want to consider going gluten free as this seems to help some people and using toothpaste that does not contain fluoride.
Thank you for your reply, Mandy. I suspect autoimmune issues also. I can't think of any other cause for these results as I've never been on any medication or been subject to any radiation or other triggers. I can't think of any other potential causes x
Also my latest results were 4.4 TSH no thyroid panel
That's rubbish testing. Your Gp should have done T4 and B12, vit d, ferretin and folate. I shall have to take a deep breath so as not to blow my top.
They tested me for celiac disease due to my stomach bloating but that came up negative and my blood results came back with a heading of "normal for patient." I don't like to be the person who disagrees with the doctor or causes a fuss but I am feeling pretty unwell and I do think this is the culprit !
Your GP Practise are being negligent - even though they say you're fine being 'in range', symptoms are blindingly obvious and a full panel is required. They should pull up their socks and get on with it as they will be seeing far less of you if they do.... Best thing is to keep on at them...a symptom diary is a good idea. Say how much impact it's having on study or work. Maybe ask a friend to come with you to your next appointment to back you up.
In addition to the great advice above, know that GPs generally are rubbish at thyroid and only look at primary hypothyroidism but it can be secondary, or central, too. Good luck.
No you are not over reacting a TSH of over 4.5 with hypothyroid symptoms according to the NICE guidelines qualifies you to have a trial of levothyroxine to see if this helps (it will as long as they give you a good enough dose). You should go back to your GP practice but try and see a more sympathetic and knowledgable doctor with a copy of the guidelines and request a trial. Don’t be bamboozled into being sent away with nothing but stuff about more blood tests some other time. Just tell therm straight you cannot function properly and qualify for this help and show them your copy of the guidelines highlighting the pertinent sentence say you found it vía NHS choices thyroid uk is recomnended by them for support. Only a complete psychopath of a doctor would argue over being .1 below the 4.5 TSH. They probably won’t test for antibodies because Endocrinology is populated by cavemen quite frankly and most doctors are too daft to understand their significance anyway. You can pay for private tests but they are quite expensive. There is a 90% chance it us autoimmune ie caused by antibodies attacking self so the likelyhood falls heavily on this form being what you have. Treatment is the same whatever. You should be started on 50mcg levothyroxine daily with a blood test test 6 weeks later and an increase as appropriate until TSH is between 0.2 and 0.5 and T4 and T3 are in the top third of their ranges. A lot of doctors do not even understand this, it is called “optimisation” it is an individual tayloring, which is not the same as in range (a reading falling between the numbers in brackets after your reading) which is simply not good enough. Many doctors think it is, unfortunately and will leave you ill for decades implying you are a nutcase imagining things - this is utter codswallop. Good you are here there is excellent advice and support we might not be medical professionals but we know a thing or two about our condition and how to be as well as possible. Unfortunately, you have already met the utter incompetence that is treatment of thyroid disorders on the NHS. Knowledge is power with this lark.
Thank you for your knowledge! I've never had any medical conditions or poor health whatsoever (being so young) so I've been pretty in the dark about this stuff. I've found a company doing a thyroid panel online for £60 so I'm going to order it when I get my next pay check and invest in my health because if I've got an autoimmune disease, it's something that I really need to be aware of. I agree, thyroid disorders seem so elusive. More research should really be done x
You could also use one of the three labs that Thyroiduk recommend and, at the same time TUK also get a small remuneration. It is TUK who has the website and Lyn Mynott began it from her garden shed plus two assistants. They do an enormous amunt to try to change the attitudes. They are home pin-prick tests.
You have to be well hydrated a few days before the blood draw. It has to be the earliest possible, fasting test (you can drink water) - food interferes with the uptake of the hormones and coffee also reduces TSH. You want the TSH to be at its highest as that's all doctors seem to look at when the FT4 and FT3 are very important as are antibodies:-
A Full Thyroid Function Test is:-
TSH, T4, T3, Free T4, Free T3 and thyroid antibodies.
GP should test B12, Vit D, iron, ferritin and folate. Everything has to be optimal.
I have tried to find those nice guidelines (search facility on healthunlocked is very poor) to no avail. If you email thyroid iuk admin and ask could they send a copy of the Nice Guidelines for treatment of subclinical hypothyroidism with the mention of a trial of levothyroxine if TSH is over 4.5 and symptoms are present hopefully they will have a copy they can send over.
I was just helping a pal with getting blood tests and the ThyroidUK list has some good deals for reasonably extensive tests like thyroid11/thyroid ultravit and the new company in the listed ones has an excellent discount with the voucher.
Hope that helps
When you get blood tests for thyroid hormones, it has to be at the very earliest, fasting (you can drink water). If you were taking thyroid hormones you'd allow a gap of 24 hours between dose and test and take it afterwards. This helps keep the TSH at is highest as that's all the professionals seem to take notice of. We don't think that' the correct way to diagnose:-
thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...
thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...
Thank you! I was not told I needed to fast so that might be why my second result was lower than the first! I think i may have had a coffee or a banana I'm not sure x
Coffee and food before a test reduces the TSH but next time the test is due, you are aware of how to keep the TSH at its highest and that it does drop throughout the day, I never knew that before either .
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