I'm new here, B12D but symptoms of thyroid deficiency?

[JillMaryC]

Hi! I have been increasingly unwell, been on 3 mthly injections + SI for B12D/PA. GP dismissive but bounced to Haematologist, Endocrinologist and Neurologist, say I am "complex" but nothing wrong. 65 years sontold it's an age thing. Showed my complete range of blood tests from last year to retired GP friend who said that I have cortisol insufficiency, under active thryoid and early stages Hashimotos, plus the Anaemia. Asked to be referred back to Endocrinologist team, a registrar said no evidence of endocrine system problem, maybe Chronic Fatigue but let's not medicalise you"! My symptoms include:

Fatigue / Muscle weakness / exercise intolerance / attacks of postural hypotension / feeling as though hit in back of head / gut disorders / stomach 'headaches' / dry skin / hair loss/ nails brittle.

Can someone look at Endocrinologist latest thryoid blood tests please ( no anti-bodies tested):

TSH 3.20 T3 4.2 Free Thyroxine 15

So can levels be normal in range, but still require to be treated on presenting clinical symptoms?

Any advice appreciated, as unable to undertake a normally active and productive life - and feel as though I'm in a maze.

[JillMaryC]

Thank you for your speedy response. This health stuff is a minefield. Perhaps I should call myself "reallyfeduptoo"! A friend has offered to pay for me to see yet another Endocrinologist, but is this going to help - if they keep insisting ranges are normal? My retired GP friend said self treat! Aaaagh! I am seeing a functional medical practitioner tomorrow, but not sure how to get help through NHS. Phew.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

You need thyroid antibodies m vitamin D, folate and ferritin tested

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 plus both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested. Also extremely important to test vitamin D, folate and ferritin

Low vitamin levels are extremely common, especially if Thyroid antibodies are raised

Recommended on here that all thyroid blood 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, best not mentioned to GP or phlebotomist)

Private tests are available.

Thousands on here forced to do this as NHS often refuses to test FT3 or antibodies or all 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 special offers, Medichecks usually have offers on Thursdays, Blue Horizon its more random

How does retired GP know you have Hashimoto's? Have you had antibodies tested already?

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.

Likely as you already have PA which is autoimmune

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_...

[JillMaryC in reply to SlowDragon]

OMG thank you so much for all that amazing information. I will research all the links. I had considered having Medichecks full thryoid test, so the replies I have received here have given me the focus. So debilitating to constantly face blanks through NHS system, yiundiubt yourself.

Support from this forum members much appreciated.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to JillMaryC]

Median TSH graph - shows most people have a TSH under 2.5, but not all

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

[JillMaryC in reply to SlowDragon]

Wow! So much excellent information. Verynhelpful and affirming.

[JillMaryC]

Brilliant advice. Thank you! Can I ask what is NDT?