Getting a Diagnosis

[Pinetrees]

Hi, I have been going to my GP for 14 years with all sorts of symptoms. Prior to this at the age of 40 I had never really been to my GP. I'm now in mid 50's and still symptoms but no diagnosis. My TSH was 3.56 and T4 12. I don't know a baseline test prior to 40. I am not overweight but do regular exercise (dragged out by friends) and eat reasonably healthily. This is the main symptom I don't have. Does this mean I don't have hypothyroid or from all other symptoms and bloods is it possible I am hypo & would benefit from meds?? Thank you so much for any help with this.

[greygoose]

Your TSH is too high, that's for sure. But, UK doctors like it to get to 10 before they'll deign to diagnose. Can't comment on the FT4 because you haven't given the range.

Not all hypos put on weight. That is a medical myth that doctors cling to so they can tell thin/normal weight patients that they aren't hypo. Doctors hate diagnosing anyone with hypo. That's why it's so difficult.

But, I would suggest you get full testing privately - if you can - because the NHS will never do all the necessary tests - too expensive! You need:

TSH

FT4

FT3

TPO antibodies

Tg antibodies

vit D

vit B12

folate

ferritin

That will give you a much clearer idea of what's going on.

Details of private testing here:

thyroiduk.org/tuk/testing/p...

[Pinetrees in reply to greygoose]

Thank you so much Greygoose, I will look into getting more bloods done and find out the reference range for the T4. I have been feeling like I have been labelled a 'Hypochondriac' by Dr's for years only now they kindly call it 'Health Anxiety'!! Thanks again

[greygoose in reply to Pinetrees]

Yes, new names always make things better, don't they! Adds up to the same thing, though: doctors are ignorant and just aren't listening. And don't care, either. I'm sure most of us have got that label, however it's spelt.

[Buddy195 Administrator in reply to Pinetrees]

Hi Pinetrees, Your ‘health anxiety’ comment struck a cord with me as I bought books on the subject and saw a psychologist to help me deal with the ‘health anxiety’ for months after being told that’s what I had by the GP. No one explained to me that the anxiety was linked to my thyroid condition! I’ve learned far more from this forum than anything a GP or Endo has told me.

[Pinetrees in reply to Buddy195]

Hi Folks, thanks for replies. I was wondering if anyone else has opinions on whether I could be hypothyroid with a TSH of 3.56 and a T4 of 12 (range 10-22). I'm convinced I have had many symptoms for years but not weight gain!! I think this also means GP's look at me and straight away rule out hypothyroidism but I struggle hard each week to do exercise and eat reasonably healthily. Thank you for any more responses, greatly appreciated.

[Buddy195 Administrator in reply to Pinetrees]

Hi,

I lost weight with an under active thyroid, not gained. I would also recommend you have private testing. I use Medichecks - they can test vitamins at same time as thyroid levels. I’ve followed forum advice for optimising vitamins as well as taking Levothyroxine and this has really helped. Post your results on the forum and let others (more knowledgable than me in the subject!) advise.

[Pinetrees in reply to Buddy195]

Thank you Buddy, will get more tests done. It's interesting that medics & general public completely associate Hypothyroid with weight gain!!!

[Mary-intussuception in reply to Pinetrees]

I think most people gain weight but have discovered (on this forum ) that there are a few who haven't or actually lost weight.

You need Thyroid Antibodies testing plus an Ultrasound scan of your Thyroid.

With Hashimoto's Autoimmune Thyroiditis, the regular Thyroid Function blood tests results can fluctuate and fall within the 'normal ' ranges.

Mine did - Overtly Hypothyroid in 2008 results were overlooked (well, no one told me).

Retesting by a Rheumatologist who noticed them on his computer in 2010 - results Euthyroid (reported as normal). So he decided I didn't have a Thyroid problem !!!

Not diagnosed till late 2011 after pushing for it (asked GP for an Ultrasound scan of my Thyroid).

You could keep going back to GPs with a written list of your symptoms (take your temperature early morning if low add to list) and ask for a referal to a Specialist . Don't know your symptoms but depending on them, ask to see an Endocrinologist or Rheumatologist? If you have throat symptoms ask to be referred you ENT ?

Keep going back to GP, don't be put off by what they say.

[Lora7again]

Yes you are suffering from hypothyroidism but your Doctor won't treat you until your TSH is over 10 .... they like to see us really ill before they do anything. What annoys me is that all these symptoms your are getting are caused by your thyroid and the Doctor is too blind to see it! If he won't treat you I would buy your own drugs on the internet and do your own private blood testing. This is what I had to do because my Doctor refused to give me a prescription for Levothyroxine and he still doesn't do a thorough blood test even though I have been admitted to hospital with a suspected thyroid storm.