I am confused: Hi ! Long story short, I was... - Thyroid UK

Thyroid UK

141,244 members166,489 posts

I am confused

ABCD210506 profile image
9 Replies

Hi ! Long story short, I was diagnosed with Graves Disease in 2018. There was a time where the levels where back to normal and I weaned off my med. But I got my first relapse last year, although now my levels are good (per April 2022) and only require 1 x 5 mg Carbimazole.

I complained to my Endo that I still feel awfully tired, still ongoing hairloss and headaches. So she sent me for a blood test but I couldn’t see the result until now. ( I have asked the UHS to get me the test results but then they can’t see it in the system). I know the test results are there as when I consult with GP for headaches only (she only want to talk about one thing…). She saw the result and mentioned low cortisol ( I think it was 190 something).

I managed to get synachten test last Friday, they told me my result is good as my response to the synachten is good. The thing is I have been feeling sick and very tired since last Saturday. I had to take regular time off interval from work. Any advice ? i am so frustrated right now.

Written by
ABCD210506 profile image
ABCD210506
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
9 Replies
PurpleNails profile image
PurpleNailsAdministrator

Setting up and arranging access to records will help. You need to see where you levels are and track them yourself. Hair loss and headaches can be a hyper or hypo symptom.

For full thyroid function you need TSH, FT4 & FT3. (Doctors focus on TSH) carbimazole should be dosed by FT4 & FT3.

Thyroid antibodies TPO & TG antibodies. To confirm Graves you need TSI or Trab tested? Was this done often drs treat all low TSH as Graves.

Also important to test folate, ferritin, vitamin D and B12.

Private blood tests can be arranged via post & finger prick sample at home is GP refuses to test everything.

Cortisol have a time range eg morning should have higher results and levels decline through day.

You had a further test to how you respond to ACTH (synachten test). Doctors will say “good - fine - acceptable- normal” for any result in range even is just within range. Get a hold of copy of results & check how good they are.

ABCD210506 profile image
ABCD210506 in reply toPurpleNails

The Graves was confirmed years ago, when I was not in the UK. During that time they tested the TrAb, TPO,TSH and everything including liver function.

I was doing quite well until January probably where I feel that my fatigue isn’t going away at first I put it as due to the winter season or something.

Have any recommendations for private companies ?

PurpleNails profile image
PurpleNailsAdministrator in reply toABCD210506

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

Here’s a list of private companies with money off codes.

Medichecks advanced thyroid is good option.

Post sample back early in week to avoid weekend post delays.

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator

Low vitamin levels are extremely common with Graves’ disease (and Hashimoto’s)

You need FULL thyroid and vitamins tested

Plus coeliac blood test

Most U.K. patients forced to test privately

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3

plus both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested are included in test kit

Very important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 at least once year minimum

Recommended on here that all thyroid blood tests early morning, ideally before 9am

This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip)

Are you in the U.K.?

Private tests are available as NHS currently rarely tests Ft3 or all relevant vitamins

List of private testing options and money off codes

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

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

Gluten intolerance is often a hidden issue with Graves’ disease or Hashimoto’s .

Request coeliac blood test BEFORE considering trial on strictly gluten free diet

Link about thyroid blood tests

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

ABCD210506 profile image
ABCD210506 in reply toSlowDragon

Do Vitamin deficiencies and etc you mentioned still expected even when the TSH and T4 level is good though? Tbh I am really frustrated with everything going on here

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply toABCD210506

Yes…..extremely common

You will see thousands of posts on here discussing low vitamin levels

healthunlocked.com/search/p...

healthunlocked.com/search/p...

ABCD210506 profile image
ABCD210506 in reply toSlowDragon

I know my vitamin D was low, I have been supplementing with 1000iu even though the GP prescribed for 800. I have told the GP and endo about it and they never checked even though I asked.

I asked again when she finally relents additional blood check for my fatigue and hairloss. Should I be concerned that my morning 8.45 am cortisol is 190ish?

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply toABCD210506

1000iu is unlikely high enough dose vitamin D

Low ferritin often linked to hairloss

Suggest you pay for Blue Horizon test as includes cortisol

Only do private testing early Monday or Tuesday morning, before 9am

Don’t do in heatwave

ABCD210506 profile image
ABCD210506

I will check it. Thank you

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Advice, I am so confused

Hi Everyone. Sorry to bother you all again. I had a blood test I didn’t know was happening a...

Confused

Hi this is my 1st post. Last week I went to see my GP as I was fed up. I walked in with the...
MrsMilzy profile image

Synachten test

Hi all Sorry to be back again with more questions! Does anybody here know anything about cortisol...
Busyy profile image

? Confused

Hi I am hoping someone an throw some light on my visit to my GP. Approx. 1 month ago I had a very...
Foxie1234 profile image

I am shocked....

I have been self medicating for 3 years now and have felt pretty good! I moved back to UK last...
Willowluv profile image

Moderation team

See all
Jaydee1507 profile image
Jaydee1507Administrator
PurpleNails profile image
PurpleNailsAdministrator
SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.