IS IT A THYROID PROBLEM

[suzie17]

Hi sorry for the long post. I have been feeling unwell for around 6-7 months not really sure whats up with me but i am fatigued, pain in my joints and muscles , i have raynauld's and that is getting worse. i feel that there is not a part of my body that feels right, i have had a TSH test and that has come back normal. Having read so much about hypothyroidism i did the symptom check list and spoke to my Dr about it and he just dismissed it. he said he wasn't allowed to test for anymore thyroid. he did another test which showed up nuclear antibodies although in his word nothing alarming. He is sending me to see a rhumatologist although he doesn't think that is the problem. Also i am having chest x ray and a ultra sound scan on my tummy.Although i appreciate him sending me for test i know he thinks that it is depression . for me fatigue is a big problem and pain in my muscles and bones Can anyone advise me please i feel like im losing my mind . TIA

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Just testing TSH is completely inadequate

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, ferritin and B12

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)

Either see GP and request vitamin and thyroid antibodies tested or 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

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_...

Raynaud's is common when hypothyroid

[suzie17 in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you for your reply. Dr said my vit D was low but nothing to worry about. Dr also told me that my fatigue was not a major symptom of anything. I have had to come of work at the moment because i feel so unwell.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to suzie17]

Low vitamin D can cause significant symptoms and is EXTREMELY common when hypothyroid, especially with autoimmune thyroid disease

How low was vitamin D and what dose of vitamin D are you now taking?

GP will only prescribe to bring vitamin D up to 50nmol. Aiming to improve by self supplementing vitamin D to at least 80nmol and around 100nmol may be better .







Once you Improve level, very likely you will need on going maintenance dose to keep it there.




Retesting twice yearly via vitamindtest.org.uk




Vitamin D mouth spray by Better You is good as avoids poor gut function.




It's trial and error what dose each person needs. Frequently if hypothyroid we need higher dose than average

Local CCG guidelines on dose to prescribe depending on initial test results

clinox.info/clinical-suppor...

Government recommends everyone supplement October to April

gov.uk/government/news/phe-...




Also read up on importance of magnesium and vitamin K2 Mk7 supplements when taking vitamin D

betterbones.com/bone-nutrit...

articles.mercola.com/sites/...

healthy-holistic-living.com...

sciencedaily.com/releases/2...

articles.mercola.com/sites/...


betterbones.com/bone-nutrit...

This article explains should discuss with specialists before taking any vitamin K if you take any blood thinning medication

drsinatra.com/vitamin-k2-su...

[shaws Administrator]

In the UK, the guidelines for diagnosing hypothyroidism is that the TSH has to reach 10 before getting a prescription and being diagnosed.

In other countries, when the TSH goes above 3+ along with symptoms, these people are diagnosed and given a prescription.

SlowDragon has given excellent advice, and I'd follow that.