Hi Everyone, can someone please help with my test results please

[Kalimacadoodle]

Hi everyone,

I'm after your help and advice please.

I have a goitre, I continually ache across my shoulders and even though I have a good night's sleep I don't feel very refreshed. I have been to the GP who has run some tests on my thyroid, which to be honest are pretty limited. My TSH level is 3.19 (range 0.27 - 4.20mU/L) and T4 level is 14.5 (range 11.00-25pmo/L). I had a hysterectomy with BSO last year so I'm on a HRT patch.

My GP informs me that there is nothing to worry about, but what about the lump in my throat?

Many thanks for your help.

Jane

[MaisieGray]

A goitre can have several possible causes, including an overactive thyroid, an underactive thyroid, hormone changes eg during pregnancy or menopause, low iodine level, some meds such as lithium, having radiation treatment to your neck area, and nodules or cysts within the thyroid. Presumably your GP palpated your neck check for the latter. With your lowish level of FT4 (it's below midway in range) it's possible that your thyroid is beginning to fail, but initially your thyroid can compensate for that, and the effort of doing so causes it to become swollen/enlarged. If that is the case, medicating with Levothyroxine would likely resolve the goitre. As your TSH is within range, albeit at a higher level than many of us on medication may feel well at, it's not surprising that your Dr didn't diagnose hypothyroidism at this point.

[Kalimacadoodle in reply to MaisieGray]

Thanks Maisie for your response. Yes my GP checked my neck and confirmed thyroid was swollen on one side more than the other and she also mentioned sending me for an ultrasound scan, which I haven't had yet.