Hey, I was diagnosed with thyroiditis 9 years ago after giving birth. I initially had an overactive thyroid but then it turned to underactive. I take 75mg levothyroxine every day.
My docs check my tsh levels every 6 months and they're always in the normal range (last test it was 1.63). However I want a full test carrying out (so they can check my t3 levels) because I have a terrible immune system- I'm always poorly and catch colds constanly. I'm having my tonsils removed next month after 4 years of repeated tonsillitis. My hair continues to fall out and I've been trying to grow it for 4 years with no joy.
My Dr says he can request this test but the hospital will deny it because my tsh level is normal.
What do I do?
Also when I was diagnosed they told me I had antibodies inside me...could this mean Hashimotos disease and if so can you test for that to be diagnosed?
Thanks
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Helen2407
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My Dr says he can request this test but the hospital will deny it because my tsh level is normal.
Your doctor is correct, he can request it but the lab can override the request if your TSH is within the normal range, that is common in a lot of health board areas.
What do I do?
What many members do, a private test.
If you want a test your GP can't really argue with it would have to be with Monitor My Health which is an NHS lab at Exeter hospital, it will be difficult for your GP to dismiss results from an NHS lab.
Monitor My Health only do one thyroid related test which includes TSH, FT4 and FT3 and they only offer it as a fingerprick test. Details and discount code here:
If you wanted to include thyroid antibodies and/or vitamins then you'd be looking at Medichecks or Blue Horizon.
Also when I was diagnosed they told me I had antibodies inside me...could this mean Hashimotos disease and if so can you test for that to be diagnosed?
Everyone has antibodies even if they are very, very low. If they are tested and the results come back over range then that is positive for Hashi's. If you wanted to check for these and did a Medichecks or Blue Horizon test then many doctors wont accept them. If you've had them tested before find out what the result was - we are legally entitled to our results so just ask the receptionist for a printed copy of previous results if you don't have access online (some surgeries in England do).
Medichecks can do all the tests you want. I would check vitamin D also as low D is common with thyroid patients and can mimic thyroid symptoms. Look at the NICE guidelines for under active thyroid to understand what your local NHS service should be offering you in terms of treatment path et.
Postpartum Hashimotos is commonly caused by hormonal disruption and the immune system changes that pregnancy brings.
If you have previously tested with thyroid antibodies then you have Hashi which is the most common cause of Hypothyroidism.
What is important now is to ensure you are optimally medicated and co-factors that allow thyroid hormones to work effectively aren't deficient. Therefore, you will need to get TSH, FT4 & FT3 tested together with iron, Vit B12, folate & Vit D.
When GP’s aren’t cooperative members use private labs and post results here.
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