My TSH came back as 5.25 and highest level within the 'normal' range is 4.20.
Normal T4 so this suggests (according to my research) subclinical hypothyroidism. I've suffered with unexplained chronic pain for 10 years and cold is a major factor.
GP said I should wait 12 months and have thyroid test repeated.
Now seeking a second opinion for retesting every 3 months and getting thyroid antibodies test to see if it could be hashimotos.
What should I do as my GPs tend to act really slow. I'm worried my levels (like TSH) will get worse and therefore my symptoms will because even now I'm suffering badly.
Any tips on what to do is much appreciated and what I need tested, how to get diagnosed etc and how to convince GP it could be this!!!
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parisienne14
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Recommend getting FULL thyroid and vitamin testing done yourself
For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 plus both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested.
Very important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12
Low vitamin levels are extremely common, especially with autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto’s or Ord’s thyroiditis)
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)
Private tests are available as NHS currently rarely tests Ft3 or all relevant vitamins
If TPO or TG thyroid antibodies are high this is usually due to Hashimoto’s (commonly known in UK as autoimmune thyroid disease). Ord’s is autoimmune without goitre.
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 too
I had readings above 5 and felt I wasn't right I was frequently constipated even though i had a good diet, I needed more sleep than normal (I needed 10 hours on average or nap in the afternoon!) Memory recall issues, feeling cold. I was put on 12.5 mg for 6 months but that did little to change things, but after a few month on 25mg I am better than I could imagine.. Readings now 4.9 and dose doubled to 50 but having to cut back as it's affecting my digestive system, frequent toilet visits! I would say get straight on 25 and check again in 3 month.
I had sub clinical levels but lots of symptoms like you and meds have helped a lot. I’d just get private tests in a month and go back with them to Doc asking for a trial of Levo saying how symptoms are affecting your work and relationships etc Take test first thing and a week away from vitamins with biotin in. Get tsh t4 and T3 for full picture.
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