Hashimoto’s sufferer seeing a new GP for the first time and looking for advice.

[LiseFB]

I’ve been following this group for a few years now and it has been fantastic to have access to so much information.

This is my first post, so just a bit about me - I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism by my GP in Wales in 2000 and apart from being put on Levothyroxine I was given no information about my condition! I’ve learnt more in the past 5 years being a member here and doing research than any doctor has ever told me but still unsure of myself. 5 years ago I was told by endocrinologist in Portugal (was living there) that it was Hashimotos and having been on ranges of 175mg-250mg of levo since 2000 and never really feeling close to properly functioning as a person I asked about T3 but they aren’t allowed to prescribe it in any form in Portugal. (I don’t have access to my previous blood tests at the moment.)

This brings me back to my question. I’m seeing a new GP on Thursday having just moved to Norway (I’m pretty sure they prescribe T3 here from what I can gather) and I want to know exactly what blood tests to ask for to get a full picture of what’s going on with my thyroid and if I need T3. I know it has been posted before in different ways but I’d just like it written down again for me. Any other help and advice for my first appointment is very much appreciated! I feel like I may finally be able to get some real help and just want to approach it in the best way possible. Fingers crossed and TIA for any advice you can give me. Feeling positive!

[SlowDragon Administrator]

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 plus both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested.

Also important to regularly test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12

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

What vitamin supplements do you currently take?

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)

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

[LiseFB in reply to SlowDragon]

Thanks very much for this! I have just been taking a multi vit since coming back to Norway 4 months ago to be close to my father, so have not been very organised as far as my own health goes.....I usually have to take a vit D supplement as I always test low. I haven’t had a proper blood test done for quite some time as was carer for both my parents who have now passed away. It’s now time to get myself back on track!

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to LiseFB]

Sorry for you loss.

Stress and upset not good for thyroid either

[LiseFB in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you, that’s very kind. It’s been a really tough few years and my health has suffered but you just get on with it don’t you. I know I advise all to look after themselves first but it’s harder to do than you think sometimes! I’m really hopeful though at being back in Norway and hoping to get on top of things finally! Do you suggest going completely gluten free?

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to LiseFB]

Did you ever have thyroid antibodies tested?

Ever had high results in either TPO or TG antibodies

[Boon79]

Yep, full thyroid panel. TSH, T4 and T3.

TSH around 1 is good, with T3 and T4 towards the top of the test range.

Agree about testing for Irin, B12 etc.

Good luck xx