Low TSH, possibly menopause

[Liverpool0205]

Hi,

I am 54 years old, seem to going through menopause which is quite late and also suffer with fibromyalgia! As my health hasn’t been told since Christmas my GP has been doing regular blood tests and twice my TSH has been low although my T3 and T4 are normal. I had a phone consultation with my GP on Thursday as my TSH had dropped again from 0.29 to 0.08 which I’m presuming is quite low. I’ve been having symptoms of hyperthyroidism for a while, fast heart rate, skin rashes, palpitations, anxiety and unable to relax so I feel my general health is low. The doctor has referred me to an endocrinologist as she’s concerned I’m having symptoms of hyperthyroidism and perhaps should start medication but has encouraged me to go privately as there is a long hospital waiting list so I’ve managed to get a consultation privately next week with an endocrinologist! Although there is a strong family history of hyperthyroidism this is the first time I’m experiencing symptoms! I was wondering if anyone can give me advice on those results, and can menopause affect the thyroid, just getting myself worked up to what might be causing the low TSH results! Thank you 🙏

[greygoose]

Hi Liverpool0205, welcome to the forum.

When you say your FT4/3 are 'normal', do you have the exact numbers: results and ranges? There's not really any such thing as 'normal' where thyroid is concerned. And, when a doctor says 'normal', all s/he means is 'in-range'. We need to know exactly where in the range they fall, as the ranges are so wide. Impossible to comment on a TSH reading just by itself. The three numbers have to be considered in conjunction to each other.

[Liverpool0205 in reply to greygoose]

Thank you, they didn’t give me the numbers so I’ll ring my GP on Tuesday and ask for them!

[greygoose in reply to Liverpool0205]

Ummm... Not a good idea. Doctors don't really like you having those numbers - which is why they don't give them to you in the first place. The best thing to do is to ring the receptionist and ask her to do you a print-out. If she gets difficult, remind her that in the UK, the law says you're entitled to one - they're YOUR results.

[Liverpool0205 in reply to greygoose]

Thanks I’ll do that 😊x