Enlarged thyroid

[Avelar]

Recently I have had a CT scan for another health issue and they picked up that I have an enlarged thyroid with 3 nodules at 1 side. Recent full blood test came back normal for thyroid. Does anyone have any ideas what it could be?

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Please add actual results and ranges

Far too often only TSH is tested and this is completely inadequate

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)

Low vitamin levels common as we get older too

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

List of private testing options

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

Medichecks Thyroid plus antibodies and vitamins

medichecks.com/products/adv...

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

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

Link about thyroid blood tests

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

Link about Hashimoto’s

thyroiduk.org/hypothyroid-b...

Technically it’s Hashimoto's (with goitre) or Ord’s thyroiditis (no goitre). Both variants are autoimmune and more commonly just called Hashimoto’s

Hashimoto's frequently affects the gut and leads to low stomach acid and then low vitamin levels

Low vitamin levels affect Thyroid hormone working

Poor gut function with Hashimoto’s can lead leaky gut (literally holes in gut wall) this can cause food intolerances. Most common by far is gluten. Dairy is second most common.

List of hypothyroid symptoms

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

[PurpleNails Administrator]

Nodules are quite often detected and almost considered a normal part of ageing.

Most don’t, but some do affect thyroid function so it’s important to have a full thyroid test checking FT4 & FT3. Some cause lower function. I have a large hyper functioning nodule causing high levels. Nodules under 10mm are often deemed not significant. Larger ones are looked at closer and a fine needle aspiration can be taken if anything is concerning.

As the entire thyroid is enlarged it’s even more important function is fully checked, including thyroid antibodies.

Sometimes function is unaffected but the growth causes issues which require treatment. When the thyroid grows downward or affect breathing, swallowing or voice. Symptoms would become obvious, such as discomfort from collar bone neck or jaw, choking, difficulty breathing and hoarse voice.

Do you have symptoms like those, or any thyroid symptoms?

[Avelar in reply to PurpleNails]

I'm looking at getting a full test privately to get things moving. I've had breathlessness since last year but they put it down to acid reflux (had endoscopy to). Now and again I do choke in my sleep but put it down to acid reflux, maybe the thyroid was the cause of it?

[PurpleNails Administrator in reply to Avelar]

It is possible. Low stomach acid also common with low thyroid levels. Causes same symptom but need different treatment. Google burp test.

medichecks.com/products/adv...

Currently has a discount on advance thyroid test. I am think of getting myself. It would likely speed thing up for you. (Assuming you are in UK?)

[Batty1 in reply to Avelar]

You should have a fine needle biopsy on nodules. I also had nodules and was always told my issues were me being a worry wart and my thyroid test were normal until my issues became more pronounced then they did a FNB and it revealed cancer.