Perimenopause seems like I have hyperthyroid symptoms. Only TSH tested at 1.79.

[Mintymoomoo]

Hi I'm new so bare with me.

For last few months anxiety and insomnia are getting worse, I don't think they could get much worse. I'm getting 3 hours sleep waking up at 2 soaking hot ushes and racing pulse, that never slkws down enough to get back to sleep. Haven't had period for 7 weeks then started last night and I am so heavy, everything is making me feel so weak. Anyway doc only tested TSH level at 1.79. should I ask her to check t3 T4 as I feel I. Can't go on like this? Does 1.79 indicate hyperthyroid? My hair is also coming out lots too. Please advise and help, thanks so much x

[shaws Administrator]

Did you get blood drawn at the very earliest? It is also a fasting test but we can drink water.

The reason for the earliest appointment is due to the TSH being higher early a.m. and it reduces throughout the day.

This is the method to get the best result from a blood test for thyroid hormones (you can also get a private test if you wish).

Always get the earliest possible blood test. It is a fasting test (you can drink water) and if taking thyroid hormones, take them after the blood test (not before). A Full Thyroid Function Test is:-

TSH, T4, T3, Free T4, Free T3 and thyroid antibodies.

You may have to get a private test that will cover all of these. Just in case I'll give you a link and make sure you are well-hydrated a couple of days before blood draw.

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

[Sparklingsunshine]

Hi

I had hot flushes and insomnia as well, turns out it was menopause, thank God for HRT. Hair loss can also be a menopause symptom, as can weight gain.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

If you’re not on replacement thyroid hormones TSH is normal at 1-1.5

Median TSH graph

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

Menopause can cause all these sort of symptoms

Low vitamin levels too

Request vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 are tested

Low iron/ferritin can cause hair loss

Heavy periods tend to lower iron levels too

What’s your diet like….are you vegetarian or vegan

[Mintymoomoo]

I have very heavy periods ferritin was 18 on last test. I am not vegetarian. I have been supplementing with b12 to help iron absorption but I have overdone it and my b12 was 1900! Because of covid I've been trying to manage Anemia myself and most supplement are very high in b12. I am in such a state I've read high b12 can cause anxiety and insomnia too, I fear I have wrecked my body as the insomnia has got me right on the bottom, and this latest heavy period is just running out of me everytime I stand up and my legs feel so weak.I have ordered a test through blue horizon for thyroid to check myself, but it hasn't arrived yet. I haven't slept since my whole family had covid in September the stress of it all has upset my sleep and anxiety and hormones somewhat thanks ladies I really appreciate it x

[Sparklingsunshine in reply to Mintymoomoo]

Hi

Low ferritin can cause hair loss, are you being treated for it by GP, you can buy prescription strength iron tablets online or from a pharmacy. It's cheaper than getting them on prescription. Usual one is ferrous fumarate 3 times a day.

If your periods are very heavy there are effective treatments to help with that. Either medication or surgical. Many are day case ones like endometrial ablation. Where the womb lining is destroyed by a laser, it greatly reduces or even stops you bleeding. You also need to rule out fibroids, which can cause very heavy bleeding.

Honestly with all your issues I would consult your doctor ASAP. It's not normal to bleed like that and you don't have to live with it.

[playtime2]

If you had a TT your TSH is very high, meaning you are HYPO and you are not taking enough T4 and or T3.

[Mintymoomoo in reply to playtime2]

Do you mean 1.79 is high? She said it was in normal range.

[playtime2 in reply to Mintymoomoo]

It is high if you had all of your tyroid removed due to cancer.

[Mintymoomoo in reply to playtime2]

No I haven't, as I said I am new to all of this thyroid stuff.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

See your GP

They should be prescribing iron deficiency

B12 doesn’t improve low iron

You need folate and vitamin d tested too

[Jodypody]

It sounds like you’re under a lot of stress and insomnia is a b*tch I can tell you. Peri menopause is hugely unpleasant for some I really struggled and in the end went on bio identical HRT and glad I did. Covid is still a disease with a 99.74% survival rate so remember that. Try the calm app and take a step back. Try yoga, calming teas at night, hit baths, Christmas films in pyjamas. I bought the magnet thingy from boots that takes the edge off too. Consider HRT

[Mintymoomoo in reply to Jodypody]

Thank you x

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Suggest you get FULL thyroid and vitamin testing done via Medichecks or Blue horizon

Test as early as possible in morning before eating or drinking anything other than water

Only test early Monday or Tuesday morning and then post back via tracked postal service

What vitamin supplements are you currently taking

With Ferritin under 30

GP should be prescribing iron supplements and regular retesting of full iron panel every 3-4 months

Have you increased iron rich foods in diet

If you want more in-depth B12 test use

nutris.viapath.co.uk/pages/...

Come back with new post once you get results and ranges

[Mintymoomoo in reply to SlowDragon]

Got tested with blue horizon in December thyroid was normal. B13 was high 1900, serum,I was supplementing at the time. Wondered if that was why I am not sleeping and anxious. I'm perimenopausal too, have high BP , but the insomnia is just making me worse everyday. I have developed hypnic jerks which doesn't allow me to sleep even though I am exhausted, think this is from insomnia. I am getting my genes tested to check for any gene variants being the reason, I am scared to take medication incase I get addicted to it and can't come off it without it making me worse. I just need sleep.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Mintymoomoo]

Please add actual results and ranges

B12 will slowly reduce as you have stopped supplementing