Could this be a thyroid problem?

[Numbsew]

Hi, I have b12 def and vit d def both of which are being well treated. However I am now getting other symptoms, my hair is falling out again, I have aching pain in joints and muscle weakness and my energy levels are very slow to recover. (I have had daily b12 since April and energy levels had been improved). Could this be a thyroid issue? I had TSH test in July which showed 2.5. ATP was 101 iu/ml (normal range 0-35).

[RedApple Administrator]

Numbsew, A TSH 0f 2.5 does not in itself confirm a thyroid issue. However, more information would help. Ideally, you need FT4, FT3 and thyroid antibodies tested to get the full picture.

[Numbsew in reply to RedApple]

How do I get those tests. My GP said they are not necessary when I asked him a year ago. My TSH was at 3.4 then.

[RedApple Administrator in reply to Numbsew]

When GPs won't help, we have no choice but to turn to private testing. Typically, we do this through home finger-prick tests. This page on the Thyroid UK website lists the ones most of us use regularly. thyroiduk.org/tuk/testing/p...

[greygoose]

Isn't ATP antibodies - normally written as TPOab? If so, you have Hashi's. That is a thyroid problem.

If not, why did he test that? Have you been having fainting fits?

[Numbsew in reply to greygoose]

I had a lot of dizziness and exhaustion with b12 def. maybe there is some crossover

[greygoose in reply to Numbsew]

Strange.

[Numbsew in reply to greygoose]

Anti thyroid peroxidase ab is what I meant. Is that the same thing?

[greygoose in reply to Numbsew]

Same as TPOab? Yes, same thing. That's antibodies. You have Hashi's, so yes, you do have a thyroid problem. You TSH is not quite hypo, yet, but will probably rise with time.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

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. 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.

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 due to Hashimoto's

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

If TPO antibodies are high this is Hashimoto's, (also known by medics here in UK more commonly as autoimmune thyroid disease).

About 90% of all primary 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_...

[Numbsew]

Thank you. I’ll do some reading up.