Help please: So I have just received my Thyroid... - Thyroid UK

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Vector136 profile image
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So I have just received my Thyroid results from the lab and they confirm my gp's results saying that all are in normal range. My problem is that I seem to be really suffering from almost all of the symptoms of hypothyroidism including hypoglycemic after food. I have been quite ill for 5 weeks now, I have had these symptoms for a few years, but now it has really flared up and is totally debilitating. My GP won't help me other than the offer of anti depressants. I am absolutely desperate for any advice, thanks in advance .

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Vector136
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greygoose profile image
greygoose

Hi Vector136, welcome to the forum.

I'm afraid we can't really help you unless you give us the results and the ranges of your recent tests. Just being 'in-range' doesn't really tell us much, because it depends on where within the range they fall. Also, exactly what was tested.

So, if you post the results and ranges, and let us have a look, we'll do our best to advise you what to do next. :)

Vector136 profile image
Vector136 in reply to greygoose

Sorry, My Thyroid test results:TSH 1.6 my/L ( 0.27-4.2)

FT4. 16.3 pmol/L (12-22)

FT3. 5.7 pmol/L (3.1-6.8)

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply to Vector136

Well, I can see why your doctor doesn't think you have a thyroid problem.

FT4. 16.3 pmol/L (12-22)

43.00%

FT3. 5.7 pmol/L (3.1-6.8) 70.27%

But, the odd thing is that your T3 is much higher in its range than the T4. This is not usual. But it sometimes happens when the thyroid is beginning to fail.

The TSH, at the moment, is pretty much euthyroid, and that's really all most doctors look at - they don't know any better. Is this the first thyroid test you've ever had?

Did you not get your antibodies tested at the same time? How about nutrients: vit d, vit B12, folate and ferritin? They all need testing to get a fuller picture.

Vector136 profile image
Vector136 in reply to greygoose

Yes, it's the first test I have done myself. I had blood tests done a few years ago when I was last I'll, and was diagnosed with Gilbert syndrome.I will get the doctors blood test results on Monday to see what the other levels are.

Thank you so much for replying, I am having a very difficult time trying to understand all this as it's all quite complicated . Struggling to concentrate whilst trembling all the time.

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply to Vector136

It does appear complicated at first, but you'll get used to it - if, indeed, you ever need to. :)

Vector136 profile image
Vector136 in reply to greygoose

Hi greygoose, I have collected my blood test results from the surgery that were taken on 30/9/21;

Serum TSH level 1.18 Miu/L (0.35-4.94)

Serum vitamin B12 385ng/L (187-883)

Serum cholesterol (XE2eD) 5.8mmol/L (0.0-5.2) #

Serum cholesterol (44P5) 1.4mmol/L (0.8-1.7)

Serum non high density lipoprotein (XabE1) 4.4mmol/L #

Serum cholesterol/HDL ratio(XaEUq) 4.1

Serum triglyceride levels (XE2q9) 1.2mmol/L (0-1.7)

Serum LDL cholesterol (44P6) 3.9 mmol/L (1.4-4.0)

Serum ferritin level 54.9 ug/L (22.0-275.0)

Serum gamma-glutamyl 18iu/L (11.0-59.0)

Serum folate level 5.0 Ng/ml (3.1-20.5)

Plasma C-reactive protein level <1mg/L (0.0-5.0)

Plasma glucose 3.8 mmol/L (3.0-7.8)

Haemoglobin A1c level 34mmol/mol(2.0-41.0)

Haemoglobin concentration 171g/L (133.0-167.0)#

Platelet count-observation 198 10*9/L (150-400)

Red blood count 5.74 10*9/L (4.3-5.7)#

Haematrocit 0.52L/L (0.39-0.5)#

Mean cell volume 90.2fL (77.0-98)

Mean cell haemoglobin level 330g/L(316.0-349.0)

Total white blood count 7.3 10*9/L (3.7-9.5)

Neutrophil count 3.90 10*9/L (1.7-7.5)

Monocyte count 0.59 10*9/L (0.2-0.6)

Eosinophil count 0.11 10*9/L (0.03-0.46)

Basophil count 0.00 10*9/L (0.02-0.1)#

Serum sodium 142 mmol/L (133.0-146)

Serum potassium 4.1 mmol/L (3.5-5.3)

Serum creatinine 66 umol/L (64.0-111.0)

Serum alanine aminotransferase 27iu/L (0.0-55.0)

Serum alkaline phosphatase 88 IU/L (33.0-130)

Serum total bilirubin 22umol/L (0.0-21.0) #

Serum total protein 71g/L (66.0-80.0)

Serum albumin 43g/L (35.0-50.0)

Serum globulin 28g/L (20.0-35.0)

eGFR using creatinine (CKD-EPI) per 1.73 square meters 90mL/min (90.0-99999.0)

Antibody test has been ordered.

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply to Vector136

Serum vitamin B12 385ng/L (187-883)

This is much too low. Should be at least 550. Low B12 causes a lot of symptoms which are very much like hypo symptoms. But your doctor will say that is 'fine' because it is within the range.

Serum potassium 4.1 mmol/L (3.5-5.3

I would want my potassium higher than that. The range is very conservative, and your result is not even mid-range. Eat more bananas, avocados, etc.

Serum cholesterol (XE2eD) 5.8mmol/L (0.0-5.2)

Your cholesterol is only slightly over-range, but doctors will jump on that as if it explains everything! However, what it really suggests is that your FT3 is slightly low. But, as he hasn't even test the FT4, let alone the FT3, we cannot know. Doctors believe that the TSH result tells them everything they need to know, which is laughable. What they are doing is assuming that the pituitary always works perfectly - TSH is a pituitary hormone, not a thyroid hormone - and can never go wrong. But, if the thyroid can go wrong, why can't the pituitary? It's only another endocrine gland, after all, and is far from infaillible.

So, I would suggest you get full thyroid testing - privately if necessary - including:

TSH

FT4

FT3

TPO antibodies

Tg antibodies

vit D

vit B12

folate

ferritin.

Details of private labs here:

thyroiduk.org/help-and-supp...

:)

Vector136 profile image
Vector136 in reply to greygoose

Thank you greygoose, very helpful. I have ordered a test that includes:Free ThyroxineFree Triiodothyronine

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone

Thyroglobulin Antibodies

Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies

Thyroxine

Will get the rest when I can raise the funds, expensive business these tests, UC doesn't stretch that far 🙁

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply to Vector136

One does what one can - no-one can do more. :)

SeasideSusie profile image
SeasideSusieRemembering

Vector136

For anyone to be able to comment we need to see your results. Can you please post whatever results you have and include the reference ranges that came with them as these vary from lab to lab.

Also, can you please tell us if you did the test as we always advise for thyroid tests:

* Test no later than 9am to get the highest possible TSH which is needed for diagnosis of hypothyroidism.

* Nothing to eat or drink except water before the test this is because some foods and caffeine containing drinks affect TSH.

* If you take B Complex or Biotin supplement then this should be left off for 3-7 days before the test.

Vector136 profile image
Vector136 in reply to SeasideSusie

Thank you,yes was taken at 7am and just water

PurpleNails profile image
PurpleNailsAdministrator

Welcome to forum

Sorry you are unwell, you must be very frustrated with you doctor is only offering anti-depressants.

What was tested and what was the result?

When GPs look for thyroid issues they don’t always test thyroid hormones, instead they test a pituitary hormone which *should* show high if thyroid hormone low. (If responding normally)

In range may be just in range. So by looking at the results we can interpret if they are indicate a problem.

For full thyroid function you need

TSH Thyroid stimulating hormone.

FT4 (the free thyroxine)

FT3 (the free triiodothyronine)

Thyroid Peroxidase (TPO) and Thyroglobulin antibodies(Tg or TGab )

Also important to test

Folate

Ferritin

B12

Vitamin D

These often become low if you have thyroid issues or can mimic / compound symptoms.

Sadly doctors often refuses to fully test. First step see what’s been tested so far & what the result are. Then we can advise private blood testing companies if necessary. Home test kits via post & finger prick sample.

You can obtain printouts of your blood test results via practice reception (don’t ask doctor) or arrange online access for GP records of available, which is extremely useful.

Don’t accept verbal or hand scribbled notes you need a printed copy with ranges (ranges vary between labs so essential). They shouldn’t ask why but if they do try to resist just say they are for your records. You are legally entitled to them.

Vector136 profile image
Vector136 in reply to PurpleNails

Thank you, I will get the doctors results on Monday, I think I have just done the basic test from monitor my health results:

TSH 1.6 my/L ( 0.27-4.2)

FT4. 16.3 pmol/L (12-22)

FT3. 5.7 pmol/L (3.1-6.8)

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply to Vector136

Also need to test Vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12

Request GP test vitamin levels

you also need to test thyroid antibodies, but GP unlikely to agree as thyroid levels look “fine”

So will need to test privately

But see if GP will test vitamin levels first

Vector136 profile image
Vector136 in reply to SlowDragon

Yes, thank you, I think that's my next step and I'll order a home testing kit for Thyroid antibody over the weekend.

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply to Vector136

Wait to see what Gp will test before ordering private test

Vector136 profile image
Vector136 in reply to SlowDragon

My GP has given up on me sadly as he thinks all of my symptoms are psychosomatic . They are not even doing face to face appointments yet and it's very difficult even to get a phone consultation. So I'm going to have to get my own evidence that something is wrong and build up a convincing case before I can approach him again. Sad hey.

Missreva profile image
Missreva in reply to Vector136

Hi vector 136, sorry to hear you are having difficulty. I am in the same position, my GP says anxiety even with the tests showing high thyroid antibodies.I wish you good luck with getting help.

Keep posting on here, this forum is a great help.

I have just started gluten free diet which I think will help.

DippyDame profile image
DippyDame

Glad you have found us Vector136 ! Welcome.

Looking back roughly how long have you been aware that something about your health is out of kilter? Have those symptoms slowly increased over time until you now feel very unwell?

Your high FT3, though comfortably in range, is unusually high compared with your FT4, this is keeping your TSH reasonably low and will suggest to your GP that there is no problem. There are a few reasons why FT3 might be elevated.

When untreated TSH should be close to 2 ( as yours is)

When treated with replacement hormone it should be close to 1 or under

On that basis your GP wouldn't immediately see a red flag

However TSH is a pituitary hormone not a thyroid hormone, it was originally used as a diagnostic test for hypothyroidism ( high reading suggesting hypothyroidism) but in recent times has been used as a guide to dosing. Research proves that TSH is not reliable for this purpose! It should not be used as a stand alone aid to diagnosis or dosing

This might help -

bmcendocrdisord.biomedcentr...

thyroidpatients.ca/2019/09/...

I suggest you have a full thyroid test to include -

TSH, FT4, FT3, vit D, vit B12, folate, ferritin and antibodies

Optimal nutrients are important for good thyroid function and often overlooked by medics.

Many of us test privately since NHS tests are limited

More reading!

thyroiduk.org/if-you-are-hy...

thyroiduk.org/thyroid-funct...

With full thyroid labs to hand we can more carefully analyse your thyroid function and then try to help.

Sorry, this is a bit of a rant, thyroid disease can feel very confusing at first but with more experience you will begin to understand what is going on.

Best...

DD

Vector136 profile image
Vector136 in reply to DippyDame

Hi,thank you, ,yes that's exactly how it has developed, slowly over time. I had an infection a few years ago that was difficult to get rid of, and I had the same symptoms back then also, They didn't go away until the infection finally went. I think I may have had this for several years but just put it down to age, It really flared up 5weeks ago, and started with very bad constipation that lasted for at least a dozen days,followed by very loose after taking laxido twice a day for the same period of time.Symptoms are not quite as bad now as they were last weekend,but are still quite debilitating. Symptoms can be bad and good throughout each day. Sleep is almost always interrupted with an uncomfortable feeling around my solar plexus area and a nasty taste in my mouth, and a trembling feeling throughout my upper body, slow movement and confusion. Carpul tunnel in hands,and a similar feeling in my muscles and bones, a numbish tongue and lips, along with most of the other systems listed, although no change in weight.I will order a more comprehensive test over the weekend and I will get my gp's results from last week also. Thank you for replying, and I will look at your links🙂

Polaris profile image
Polaris in reply to Vector136

Others have suggested testing for B12 deficiency. The symptoms of underactive thyroid and B12deficiency are v. similar and many people go on to have both (three in our family).

The symptoms you've described definitely suggest what could be neurological symptoms of B12def. which should be treated without delay, but it's important not to supplement before testing and, in any case, there is no really reliable test 😟.

This is a very comprehensive website with excellent information and advice :

b12deficiency.info/signs-an...

Good luck Vector136

Vector136 profile image
Vector136 in reply to Polaris

Thank you ☺️

penny profile image
penny

Ah yes, the ‘there’s nothing wrong with your thyroid; have an anti-depressant’ comment. Been there. You’ve come to the right place. Good luck.

TaraJR profile image
TaraJR

Have you been officially diagnosed with hypoglycaemia? Have you have a glucose tolerance test? I was diagnosed with reactive hypoglycaemia after I had tests done. I now eat small snacks eg protein every 2-3 hours, during the day and this keeps the symptoms at bay. They were horrid. I used to be a lot worse before I started T3, though your T3 level looks good.

Vector136 profile image
Vector136 in reply to TaraJR

My GP tested for diabetes as I originally thought that could have been the cause of my illness. My father was diagnosed with type 1 when he was around my age , early 50s. No I haven't had a specific glucose tolerance test.

I had all blood tests done from the doctors two weeks after eating a pizza two hours previous to the test, but apparently all my levels of insulin and everything else were in normal range.

I will get a copy of his results on Monday, and also I'll order an antibody testing kit .

Thank you for replying 🙂

TaraJR profile image
TaraJR in reply to Vector136

You could request a glucose tolerance test, which they do at a hospital. It specifically shows if your levels drop and/or you get symptoms at certain points after you take in glucose. Mine dropped to 2.9 after 2 hours. I could never get my glucose meter tests to show anything, and my HbA1c tests are always good.

gabkad profile image
gabkad in reply to Vector136

I've never had insulin tested. It's always glucose. And they tortured me with the 5 hour glucose tolerance test. By the end of it I was a shaky, semi fainting mess. I was freezing cold and I had to lie down. My blood glucose went down to the low 3s. Was I ever hungry when it was over! So a cup of glucose solution sure screwed me up for that day.

gabkad profile image
gabkad

As far as I'm concerned, your thyroid tests are totally normal. I'd say your fT4 is top of range for normally healthy people because usually unmedicated euthyroid people have an fT4that's a bit lower but that's neither here nor there. I would LOVE to have your thyroid function. Anyway, on to your next complaint:

Your 'hypoglycemic' symptoms are the first part of developing Metabolic Syndrome. Unless you have had a 5 hour glucose tolerance test you cannot know if you actually become hypoglycemic.

If you are basing your self diagnosis on how you feel after consuming an easily digested carbohydrate, then what you are experiencing is hyperinsulinemia. This means that after

eating something carbohydrate rich or sugary your blood glucose goes up normal in range,

then suddenly goes down to a level also normal in range. Just the speed at which it occurs

is rapid due to the pancreas secreting more insulin than necessary.

Basically this is the first step along the road to becoming type 2 diabetic.

You will need to investigate what sorts of dietary changes you'll need to do.

There's plenty of reliable information available.

Please note: a person does not have to be overweight or obese to develop type 2

diabetes.

Vector136 profile image
Vector136 in reply to gabkad

Hi thank you for your reply,Could I please ask, does hyperinsulinemia cause your body to tremble , feel very sluggish and slow, and affect your reflux , I will certainly look into this also 🙂

gabkad profile image
gabkad in reply to Vector136

It can make you feel shaky. It's unpleasant. A change of diet is the way to go.

There's lots of information available on line.

Miffie profile image
Miffie

I think you need rather more accurate figures for the hypoglycaemia. Before being diagnosed with T2 diabetes I had symptoms of what many considered to be hypoglycaemia . However after being given glucose lowering medication that I discovered exactly what hypo really was and took pleasure in helping my friends understand the difference between post eating glucose levels returning to normal and a hypoglycaemic episode.

Have you been issued with a meter to check levels and told how to do this effectively? How low does blood glucose go when you are hypo? I assume you keep the necessary to hand to act whilst still able. For me it was hard to remember and lucky my husband kept supplies available. Now I am stable and have no issues however so glad my GP conducted glucose tolerance testing to be able to treat me effectively.

Vector136 profile image
Vector136 in reply to Miffie

Hi Miffie, thanks for the comment. No I haven't had a specific test, only a general group of blood tests. The only reason I was suspicious of this condition is because my symptoms worsen after eating or drinking (esp coffee) which I now avoid. But my doctor seems confident that all was normal ,just as he said my thyroid was also normal and everything else was normal. His diagnosis was that it was all psychosomatic, but it really isn't.In truth , I've never felt so I'll in all my life 😔

gabkad profile image
gabkad in reply to Vector136

It's not psychosomatic. I had this happening to me after I had my second child. In those days it wasn't so easy to get a glucosemeter so I rented one. Then I tested and noticed that the symptoms were happening a couple hours after breakfast. My blood glucose would go up to 7 something (totally normal) and then rapidly go down to 4.5 (also normal). What wasn't normal was how fast this happened and this is what caused the symptoms.

So after a month of testing, I checked what could I have for breakfast that would not cause this. I had only been eating toast with jam. Sugar in the coffee. BAAAD. I changed up things to eat foods that didn't digest almost instantly. Subsequently I lost the 'baby weight' and then rented the glucose meter again. The rapid declines in blood glucose didn't happen anymore.

What I found is that whatever I ate first in the day set me up for a roller coaster of symptoms.

I think half of the problem was my weight and half of it was diet. When the

fat left and the diet changed, the problem went away.

Since that time when I had gained weight back 20 years ago, I did the same thing to see

what happens when I eat only carbs. If I ate a cup of plain rice my blood sugar would briefly rise and then go down. Again, too much insulin. If I then ate a small amount while

the blood sugar was going down, it would keep going down. I repeated this four times and the results were consistent. I lost the weight with reducing the foods that stimulated too much insulin release and I went to the community centre to exercise and do pilates classes. I was walking 5 km per weekday and more on week-ends.

Whatever we do to change things up we have to do whatever we can incorporate into our lifestyle. It shouldn't be something exceptional to achieve a goal for now but something we can continue to do indefinitely if at all possible. Sometimes it's not possible and we need to change things up. It's important to do the sorts of activities we enjoy.

Miffie profile image
Miffie in reply to Vector136

I am very confident you do have sone physical cause for the symptoms. However it does help to understand how food intake and activity can affect blood glucose levels.

You may be consuming rather high carb levels at some meals and then having spikes in glucose levels. When these come down again you feel hypo but are probably just a good healthy level. Your body is reacting to the speedy change in levels.

Alternatively you are feeling the effects of eating high carb foods, the symptoms of raised and reduced glucose levels are very similar for many people. The problem is that when glucose is high you feel the need for more as feelings your body experiences are similar to low glucose. A true hypoglycaemic episode is totally debilitating. So for now try to work out causes but not worry too much as stress also affects our glucose levels.

The only way to know is keep a diary and but a monitor to test regularly.

Good luck

humanbean profile image
humanbean

If you take a look at the following website :

dietdoctor.com/

you'll find lots of recipes (I'm not sure how many are available to non-members - I joined it some time ago), and all their recipes are ketogenic or low carb or (just a few) high protein, and all their recipes are gluten-free.

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