Been away for a while

[squirl9462]

Hi all

I've not been around for the last 3 years approx as I was caring for my mum for the last year of her life, she passed away in November 2019.

Since about 5 months before mum passed, I have been on anti-depressants which don't seem to have helped at all. I left my job as I couldn't cope with the stress of payroll and took early retirement.

My last thyroid results are

TSH 2.55 (0.27 - 4.20)

FT4 10.7 (12 - 22)

FT3 3.2 (3.2 - 6.8)

These were done in July this year.

I am aware that the anti-depressants I'm taking can reduce thyroid function (my FT4 has been below range and falling for over 2 years now) but am wondering if the T4 should be supplemented. I'm cold most of the time, absolutely exhausted, and have so many other symptoms of hypothyroidism that it's ridiculous but the GP just says 'we don't do that because the TSH is less than 10'.

I've asked for a referral to an endo as I'm now not functioning well at all and wondering if I might have secondary hypo as I had a haemorrhage at the birth of my oldest child and for the whole period I have test results my FT4 & FT3 have been bumping along near the bottom of the range, the FT4 occasionally dropping below range.

I'd really appreciate any input you can give me as I'm feeling so very tired and old - I'm 59!

Many many thanks

Louise

[greygoose]

That does sound very much like Secondary Hypo. Did you suggest that to your GP? The majority of GPs have never even heard of Secondary Hypo, so fail utterly to recognise it. You really need to see an endo, I'm afraid, one that is knowledgeable about thyroid. Do you think your GP would refer you?

[squirl9462 in reply to greygoose]

Thanks greygoose, I have mentioned it to the GP but she just said that my normal levels are at the bottom of the range. I think she will refer me but that is no guarantee that the endo will agree to see me. Will just have to wait and see, probably months until I hear anything.

I'm so grateful that you understand what I'm trying to say, it felt like I was talking a foreign language to the GP!

Thanks again greygoose, you have really helped

[greygoose in reply to squirl9462]

You're right. Endos can be very picky. But, if I were you, I would write a new question asking for recommandations of endos that understand Central Hypo. There are quite a few people on here who have Central Hypo, so there must be some endos around that know what they're doing.

[squirl9462 in reply to greygoose]

Thanks again greygoose, I'll do that.

[greygoose in reply to squirl9462]

You're welcome.