Simple goitre should I be concerned?

[Annsandra13]

Hi, I was diagnosed with a simple goitre a few years ago but only found out through my medical records, it has now been highlighted this week on my notes, I had blood tests scheduled for this week to monitor thyroid problems, that results were

Thyroid Peroxidase. 1 iu/mL (normal)

Serum Thyroid. 0.31 mu/L (abnormal)

I have been more concerned recently with occasional swallowing problems, also numbness and occasional palpitations, also seem to be putting weight on, of course through Covid I haven’t wanted to pursue this.

Do I need to be concerned with the test results?

I am going through regular eye surgery too, so have not pursed this as yet.

Any advice would be welcome

My best wishes to all

Ann

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

It is all very well being reassured that it is a "simple" goitre - but until you know more, it isn't a very helpful diagnosis! Especially if they don't tell you.

The results you have posted don't make much sense without reference intervals (also called reference ranges). Also, the second test is not a standard test name -we could make guesses as to what it is but if you could clarify that would be great.

I don't blame you leaving it to one side during Covid and eye surgery - but, depending on what your thyroid status is, you could find addressing the goitre might help with everything.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

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 .

Last dose of Levothyroxine 24 hours prior to blood test. (taking delayed dose immediately after blood draw).

This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip)

If/when also on T3, make sure to take last third or quarter of daily dose 8-12 hours prior to test, even if this means adjusting time or splitting of dose day before test

Is this how you do your tests?

Private tests are available as NHS currently rarely tests Ft3 or thyroid antibodies or all relevant vitamins

List of private testing options

thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...

Medichecks Thyroid plus antibodies and vitamins

medichecks.com/products/adv...

Thriva Thyroid plus antibodies and vitamins By DIY fingerpick test

thriva.co/tests/thyroid-test

Thriva also offer just vitamin testing

Blue Horizon Thyroid Premium Gold includes antibodies, cortisol and vitamins by DIY fingerprick test

bluehorizonbloodtests.co.uk...

If you can get GP to test vitamins and antibodies then cheapest option for just TSH, FT4 and FT3

£29 (via NHS private service ) and 10% off down to £26.10 if go on thyroid uk for code

thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...

monitormyhealth.org.uk/

NHS easy postal kit vitamin D test £29 via

vitamindtest.org.uk

[Gingersnap202]

I had a thryroid nodule that grew to the size of my thumb. When I was finally properly treated for hypothyroidism, it resolved. Are you on thyroid medication?

[Annsandra13]

Hi Gingersnap202,No I’m not yet, I have been having 6 monthly blood tests, did you have a scan on your thyroid gland then,? Gosh that was quit a nodule?

Was it noticeable in th neck? Or was it diagnosed through symptoms

I hope all is well with you now and feeling more yourself.

Thank you for responding

Kind regards

Ann

[Annsandra13]

I just ha a call from the doctors and they are suggesting follow up blood tests in 2 months . So will ask if I can have a scan on th Thyroid I think x