Hypothyroid

[ali56]

Hi my latest blood tests.

TSH September 5.50 range 0.50 - 5.50

TSH December 3.93 range 0.50 - 5.50

Not on any medication feel awful in the morning low mood lack of motivation

Also not comfortable in social situations.

Is this due to thyroid gp will not prescribe levo, he says could be hormonal!!! Am 63

And I thought thyroid was hormones.

Any thoughts much appreciated.

Thank you

Ali

[greygoose]

Thyroid is hormones. lol But, so many people just mean testosterone, progesterone and oestrogen when they say 'hormones'. Just shows how limited his education is.

5.50 is very high for the top of a TSH range, and they don't even respect it when you go over-range. They like it to go up to 10 before they will diagnose. But, that's the NHS for you. In real life, you are hypo when your TSH reaches 3, and in some countries, you will be treated at that level. But, not in the UK, I'm afraid! Not sure there's anything you can do about it.

[ali56 in reply to greygoose]

Thank you for reply .

[ali56 in reply to ali56]

Hi greygoose

Do you think I would be wasting my money if I went to see a private endo, or do they diagnose by TSH level and not how you feel?

Ali

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to ali56]

BEFORE seeing any thyroid specialist you need FULL Thyroid and vitamin testing

Vast majority of patients on here forced to test privately to make progress

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 you have autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's) diagnosed by raised Thyroid antibodies

you could Ask GP to test vitamin levels and thyroid antibodies

You may need to get full Thyroid testing privately as NHS refuses to test TG antibodies if TPO antibodies are negative

Many people only have raised TG antibodies.....they therefore struggle to get diagnosed

Recommended on here that all thyroid blood tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and before eating or drinking anything other than water .

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 vitamins

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

For thyroid including antibodies and vitamins

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

Come back with new post once you get results

Meanwhile email Dionne at Thyroid Uk for list of recommended thyroid specialist endocrinologists

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/About_...

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 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_...

[ali56 in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you SlowDragon.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to ali56]

Hypothyroidism frequently causes low vitamin levels

TSH becomes sluggish and unresponsive

Testing thyroid antibodies essential

If antibodies are high, this confirms Hashimoto's

[ali56 in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you SlowDragon

[shaws Administrator]

You might find the following helpful:-

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

It is surprising when you find that few doctors know very little at all about dysfunctions of the thyroid gland.

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

[ali56 in reply to shaws]

Thank you Shaws very interesting just proves that it not all in your mind as consultants and gp’s make you think it is. How many people are suffering needlessly because of arrogant professionals, it is so frustrating. The more information I receive from kind people on this site, makes me so angry with the medical professionals who are supposed to help us. It is like banging your head against a brick wall. Really appreciate you reply.

[GKeith in reply to ali56]

It's very important to get your bloods checked for vitamins and a full metabolic panel to see if you are hypo or something else. The sooner you get treated the better but make sure to post things here to get the relevant information: a sad state of affairs for doctors to be so inhuman when it's supposed to be the opposite but such is life. God be with you.

[ali56 in reply to GKeith]

Thank you for your reply

[GKeith in reply to ali56]

You're quite welcome.