Hypothyroid

[M1tzi]

Hi I’m new to this but would like to ask ,why if my thyroid levels are low ,my gp would not tell me or offer any help even though I’ve been to see the gp several times suffering with extreme exhaustion many thanks

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

M1tzi

It depends on what you mean by low and which test. If the rest is in range that's why no help has been offered.

Can you post the results so we can comment, including the reference ranges, like this - example only :

TSH: 2.5 (0.2-4.2)

FT4: 15 (12-22)

Include all tests that have been done.

[M1tzi in reply to SeasideSusie]

Hi thanks for your reply,I have no idea of levels sorry I will try to find out and post them .i was just told by a nurse the gp will say the results are normal but they are not and recommended I see a different gp .very strange I see the gp on the 30th . I just can’t think of a reason that this would happen and if others had maybe been in a similar situation thanks

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to M1tzi]

If you are in the UK then we are legally entitled to our test results. Simply pop into your surgery and ask at the reception desk for a print out of your results. Don't accept hand written or verbal results, make sure you get a print out, then post them on the forum for comment.

[Redditch]

Have you considered changing GP? A GP who doesn't want to discuss results with you or isn't listening to you is not what you need to get better.

I caught a BBC documentary earlier about medical cannabis use for pain and how patients are buying it illegally because it's not available, they totally missed the actual point about this though. If a patient is on 7 medications for depression, stiffness, tiredness and pains that will NEVER work, the drug company gets a life-long income! The doctor gets his free holidays and other "perks" from the drug rep.

They don't WANT you to eat healthily, take vitamins, use herbal remedies or natural products that the drug companies can't patent.

You have to be your own advocate and find a GP that hasn't sold out.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

UK GP practices are supposed to offer online access for blood test results. Ring and 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 receptionist and request printed copies of results. Allow couple of days and then go and pick up.

Frequently GP will only test TSH and FT4, which 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)

Are you on Levothyroxine?

If so, Last Levothyroxine dose should be 24 hours prior to test, (taking delayed dose immediately after blood draw).

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

Medichecks currently have an offer on until end of May - 20% off

thyroiduk.org.uk/index.html

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_...

Come back with new post once you get results and ranges and members can advise on next steps

[Hidden]

You are very far from being alone in being refused treatment. Thyroid care in the uk is very poor and I am sure if you have a look at some other posts on here you will see people with similar issues. There are options such as going private, self treatment or sometimes if you have the energy and blood results fighting the NHS. Your GP should have taken your ferretin, folate, B123 and vitamin d as well as your thyroid levels so post asap so we can help a bit more.

[Earlyriser]

I had a thyroid function test done 2 weeks ago and received a one line letter saying re-test thyroid in 6 months. I popped into the surgery to register for on-line access and they don’t have it so I asked for a printout of the results. I was told they can’t give them to me unless the doctor says so. Waiting to see what the doctor says before taking it further.

[Hidden in reply to Earlyriser]

If you are in the UK just tell the receptionist that you have a legal right of a (free) copy of your test results on demand, (though some may still charge a few pence for the ink and paper used). The first time I asked for printed results (after advice from this forum) I was really nervous in case of refusal, but the receptionist printed them out on the spot, no question, no problem.

It seems likely your receptionist doesn't know you are entitled and is afraid to do anything without asking the doctor, so be nice and give her the benefit of the doubt! If you are still refused you can take it further. You really need to have your results and be able to study them before your next appointment.

[Hidden in reply to Earlyriser]

If you do have a thyroid problem 6 months is too long between tests, unless your treatment is stabilised. The doctor is probably waiting until your results are out of range, but many of us have problems long before that, mainly because the ranges are not optimal - especially TSH.

If you haven't already, start a new thread and post your results on here.

[Earlyriser in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much for your help. I am really struggling at the moment. I have lost all my trust in the surgery and feel a bit lost. X

[Hidden in reply to Earlyriser]

The main thing is, DON'T GIVE UP! xxx

Easier said than done when you feel so rotten and have no energy, but still true.

That, as well as good advice, is the main benefit of a group like this

[MaisieGray in reply to Earlyriser]

Earlyriser You simply need to remind her that you have the right, amongst others, to access your personal data, including test results, courtesy of the Data Protection Act 2018 and the EU General Data Protection Regulation, and their failure to comply can result in them suffering a financial penalty.

gov.uk/data-protection

gov.uk/government/publicati...

[Earlyriser in reply to MaisieGray]

I didn’t know that MaisieGray thank you. I’m so fed up with them I would move to another surgery if I thought things would be any better but the reviews for other local surgeries are terrible. Funny though my current surgery has really good reviews.

Good luck M1jtv. I’m new to all this too

[Hidden]

"I’ve been to see the gp several times suffering with extreme exhaustion"

That is disgusting! It took me a few years to get thyroid treatment, but at least, when I went to the doctor because of feeling tired he did try to treat me because my iron and folate levels were low (that's a common result of being hypothyroid (low thyroid). Though classed as "Subclinical". I eventually got treated after an apparent viral infection that left me with a lot of obvious hypo symptoms. At its worst I was hardly able to talk or do much more than sit staring into space trying to get enough energy to remember what it was I wanted to do, let alone actually be able to do it!

Suggestions:

1. As said, get a copy of your results and post on here asap so we can advise.

2. Try to find a more sympathetic GP if necessary. Maybe one of the receptionists might be able to advise.

3. Make a list of your symptoms (it won't just be exhaustion). There's a list of possible hypothyroid symptoms on the Thyroid UK site - it's a long list - or print out the form and tick the boxes that apply to you.

Then make another list of how it affects your life. Such as being unable to work, drive, go out, remember things, concentrate or enjoy outings or social events.

Make the lists as brief as possible, hand them to your doctor and ask (nicely if you can manage it!) what he can do to help you. If you have any breathlessness or palpitations (even if it doesn't happen often) put them at the top because they are most likely to get the doctor moving!

Cry if necessary!

4. If you still don't get results, write a letter of complaint to the practice manager. Try to be objective, don't make personal comments about the doctor except you feel he's not helping you.

[Lea122]

Don't be surprised if he or she does not know

A low t4 with a high tsh indicates hypothyroidism

Ocassionally , it can be central hypothyroidism but that is tougher to diagnose

[M1tzi]

Hi thanks for your responses I’ll get my test results and see what the dr has to say thanks again

[Hidden]

I guess and not to say I'm a good reason why not. I had a normal thyroid and the OBGYN gave me levothyroxine and it took my thyroid to non exsistant in 10 weeks flat. . She tried to treat the root causes with Thyroid meds. My advice find a doctor to treat the underlined causes not just throw something in the ring. I'd wish no one to go through what I am now.

[M1tzi]

Hi my levels are all normal apart from low THS which is 0:36 ant the reference range is 0.55 4.78 many thanks

[M1tzi]

Hi I’ve got my results any help would be most welcome T3 level 5.1(3.50 6.50 normal written next to it

SerumTSH 0.36 (0.55 4.78) in brackets is the range I believe this had borderline low written next to it many thanks M1tzi