Post pregnancy not picking up thyroid priblem

[lfisher30]

Looking for advice I’ve got a 16 month old and I’m just not myself - very thin, little depressed, very tired

Both my mum and sister both had overactive thyroids after pregnancy

I’ve had two blood tests and coming back normal - has anyone had anything similar?

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

lfisher30

If you post your test results, with reference ranges (ranges are important as they vary from lab to lab) then we may be able to help.

If you don't have a copy of your results, ring the surgery and ask for them to arrange a print out which you will pick up in a day or two. Don't be fobbed off with verbal or hand written results, please ensure you get a print out then no mistakes can be made.

[lfisher30 in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thank you when I went the other day he did say my folic levels were borderline could they have an effect?

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to lfisher30]

It depends what he means by borderline. Are they low enough to suspect folate deficiency/folate deficiency anaemia? Is your B12 also low, B12 and folate work together. You need to get a copy of your results with the reference ranges and post them on the forum.

[lfisher30 in reply to SeasideSusie]

i’ll request them monday thank you for all your help means a lot x

[SlowDragon Administrator]

First thing is, do you have any actual blood test results?

Rarely does GP test more than just TSH. Important to see exactly what has been tested and equally important what hasn’t been tested yet

You are legally entitled to printed copies of your blood test results and ranges.

The best way to get access to current and historic blood test results is to register for online access to your medical record and blood test results

UK GP practices are supposed to offer everyone 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 you have autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's) diagnosed by raised Thyroid antibodies

Ask GP to test vitamin levels and thyroid antibodies if not been tested yet

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

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

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

If you can get GP to test vitamins and antibodies then cheapest option for just TSH, FT4 and FT3 £29 (via NHS private service )

monitormyhealth.org.uk/thyr...

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_...

Hashimoto’s frequently starts with transient hyperthyroid type symptoms mixed with hypo.....initially weight loss is common

Hashimoto’s frequently starts after hormonal changes like pregnancy

Depression is common hypothyroid symptom too

Come back with new post once you get hold of GP results. Members can advise what else needs testing