I’m new to this site and found it in a desperate act to feel heard and understood for my symptoms. I feel that the support on here has already helped so much just to hear others unapologetically seeking help and guidance.
Anyways, my main question is “Can you have hypothyroidism or Hashimotos with a TSH of 3.79??” My extensive research this week suggests yes, even though my doctor says I am normal besides my level 18 of vitamin D.
A little background on me - I am a women aged 20-25. I’ve had I have had a variety of symptoms throughout my life, including multiple trips to the ER for heart palpitations. I currently have had one of the most uncomfortable weeks of my life, dealing with feelings of extreme coldness accompanied by unexplained sweating, headache, throat discomfort and a few instances of sharp pains, gut discomfort, extreme fatigue (have been between the bed and couch for a week). Ive always had a hard time falling asleep, some sleep paralysis, and instances waking up with fast heart beat and sweating. I’ve had gray hair growing in, gradually increasing, since I was in early high school (age 14-16). These are just some of the symptoms.
I’ve always thought that I was just being “weak,” for feeling unwell, and being told by healthcare professionals that I am fine. Flash forward to this past week, having to miss a job that I love to deal with mood swings, crying spells, and other horrible symptoms.
I went to a new doctor a week ago, having blood work done that took another week and I finally just got some numbers a few minutes ago. My primary did not test for T3 or T4, but my TSH was a 3.79 (she said normal), and my vitamin D was “really low” as she said at an 18. I told her I really don’t feel well, and feel I may have a thyroid problem (they run in my family). She ordered tests for T3 and T4. Can I have hypothyroidism or hashimotos with a TSH of 3.79?? Let me know what you think if you make it to the end of this message. Thank you.
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natjcole
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Essential to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12
Also both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies need testing
All thyroid tests should be done as early as possible in morning before eating or drinking anything other than water
This gives highest TSH
About 90% of all primary hypothyroidism in Uk is due to Hashimoto’s. Low vitamin levels are particularly common with Hashimoto’s. Gluten intolerance is often a hidden issue to.
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
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)
Is this how you do your tests?
Private tests are available as NHS currently rarely tests Ft3 or thyroid antibodies or all relevant vitamins
Thanks so much for your guidance and advice it’s truly appreciated.
To answer your question, my blood test was done in the morning having not eaten for about 8-10 hours.
However, I have been taking a vitamin D supplement (1000 IU) I believe, and a low dose of B12 for two weeks prior to the blood work, could this have made the results less accurate?
My doctor was aware of the B12 and Vitamin D prior to the blood work but didn’t seem to think it would change anything and still had me go forward with the blood work the following day.
So, thanks everyone for the support it is much appreciated! To update, I did end up requesting that I get a full thyroid blood panel. A week after I had received my result of a 3.79 TSH, I got my results back and my TSH level was a 4.79. My doctor diagnosed me with Hypothyroidism, and put me on 25 mcgs of Levothyroxine.
She said that my B12 levels were normal, and my antibody tests came back “good.” I’m going to request to have records of all of those results as well. I have been on the medication for about 3 weeks now, and I am still having persistent symptoms. I am aware that it may take a while to start to feel the effects of the medications, and my doctor said I will need to increase the dosage in about a month from now (a little less than 2 months after starting the Levothyroxine).
I have been taking 5000iu per day (the doctor didn’t give me a time frame though) of vitamin D. and I started taking B12 supplements about a month before I was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism.
I am struggling more now with heavy mood swings, increased anxiety, and nightmares, as well as increased crying (for no known reason), and the other symptoms I was dealing with before (fatigue, headache, etc.) I have had a lot of trouble maintaining my social life and doing activities that I used to love, and going to the gym has been near impossible even though I used to go 5days a week for the majority of my life. I have also had a few instances of sharp pains in my throat (thyroid location).
My doctor ordered for me to see a cardiologist, as well as to get a thyroid ultrasound. I’ll keep you all posted following my results from these visits. I appreciate any advice, and am currently awake following a nightmare/heart palpitations in the middle of the night. Yay! (Sarcasm) - Thanks.
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