Hi, I'm new here + would appreciate advice. I've had symptoms like tiredness, lump in throat, foggy brain, memory issues, early menopause (mid 30s), increase in weight etc for years.
Recent blood tests flagged up raised cholesterol; also have fluctuating blood pressure, neck lumps and mild deafness. When getting lumps checked, they did ultrasound on thyroid too. Can anyone tell me what this means - ''the thyroid is normal in size but has mildly hypoechoic course parenchyma. No increased vascularity. No focal nodularity.''
Further blood tests show thyroid antibodies and gp wants me to start thyroxine.
Hope someone can help.
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RabbitMum_1965
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Your listed symptoms are typical with hypothyroid.
I haven’t any knowledge on the scan remarks of “hypoechoic course parenchyma”. I think it relates to the reduced density of thyroid tissue.
There are other members with excellent knowledge and I’m sure you’ll get a clearer explanation soon.
No increased vascularity, means no extra blood flow. No focal nodularity, means no single or multi nodules.
Which antibodies were tested? Most likely it was TPO antibodies. When raised it would suggest Hashimotos (autoimmune thyroiditis)? I would be seeking a confirmation of this.
Do you have your bloods test result? If not obtain them. You are entitled to have copies of your blood test results and it is wise to keep a copy for your own records. Post your results with the ranges on here for advice.
Thanks PurpleNails, GP didn't say which ones tested but due another appt next Monday so will ask then. I also think it's Hashimotos thyroiditis which has in turn maybe made me hypothyroid?? (They all thought I was 'mentally ill', despite being a lone parent and always worked.) Annoyed that it could and should have been picked up sooner. I took on extra hours at work 2 years ago as kids older, which really stresses me out. They won't let me reduce it back to what I was doing before. If I'd known I had this, I'd never have took on the extra hours. Feeling absolutely drained at moment.
I'm getting checked for autoimmine disease as also have vitiligo (probably stress related) and get results next Monday. Will get print out also. Your advice is much appreciated PurpleNails.
It's a good idea to always get actual results and ranges on all blood test results for your own record
You are legally entitled to printed copies of your blood test results and ranges.
UK GP practices are supposed to offer online access for blood test results. At next visit ask if this is available and apply to do so if possible, if it is you may need "enhanced access" to see blood results.
In reality many GP surgeries do not have blood test results online yet
Alternatively ring/speak to receptionist and request printed copies of results. Allow couple of days and then go and pick up.
Standard starter dose is 50mcg Levothyroxine. Bloods should be retested 6-8 weeks after each dose increase
Levothyroxine dose should be increased slowly in 25mcg steps upwards until TSH is under 2 (many need TSH under one) and FT4 in top third of range and FT3 at least half way in range
Low vitamin levels are extremely common when hypothyroid especially with high Thyroid antibodies (this confirms cause is autoimmune thyroid disease also called Hashimoto's)
GP should test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 levels
Other medication at least 2 hours away, some like HRT, iron, calcium, vitamin D or magnesium at least four hours away from Levothyroxine
Many people find Levothyroxine brands are not interchangeable.
Once you find a brand that suits you, best to make sure to only get that one at each prescription. Watch out for brand change when dose is increased or at repeat prescription.
Many patients do NOT get on well with Teva brand of Levothyroxine. Though it is the only one for lactose intolerant patients
NHS guidelines including what foods to avoid (note recommended to avoid calcium rich foods at least four hours away from Levo)
Thanks for this info SlowDragon. GP said B12 ok but folate + ferratin low but within normal range. I'm not much of a meat eater. I've an appointment to get Vit D, zinc checked. I definitely should adjust my diet also but bad habits sometimes take over.......
B vitamins best taken in the morning after breakfast
Recommended brands on here are Igennus Super B complex. (Often only need one tablet per day, not two. Certainly only start with one tablet per day after breakfast. Retesting levels in 6-8 weeks ).
Or Jarrow B-right is popular choice, but is large capsule
If you are taking vitamin B complex, or any supplements containing biotin, remember to stop these 7 days before any blood tests, as biotin can falsely affect test results
Thanks porter5. It's a bit of a minefield re info about thyroiditis etc. I think it's diet + stress. I'm trying to look after 'me', which is taking a bit of getting used to.
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