undiagnosed and need help

[Fern10]

Hi, I am currently going through blood tests via my GP for thyroid. I was tested a few month ago with a borderline result and was further tested a few days ago which was ‘slightly raised’. The GP have asked my to go back for another blood test in 3 month. Can anyone help me with what to do next? This has been going on for years, I have only just managed to get them to run a blood test. I have every symptom of hypothyroidism and have done for a few years, some of which are getting worse including weight gain tiredness and depression. I also suffered a miscarriage last year and I’m certain my thyroid has something to do with this and I’ve found it really difficult to fall pregnant. The tiredness is getting out of control I am almost unable to keep my eyes open sometimes and it’s starting to affect me being able to do my job, I have never taken any time off work due to this but it’s really getting that way as I’m unable to properly do my job.

Really I’m looking for anyone else’s experiences with getting diagnosed and how I can put it to my GP so that they listen to me. Any help of guidance is appreciated ☺️

X

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Fern10

Do you have the actual result and reference range please? Not sure whether "borderline" actually means over range or not.

Two over range TSH results = subclinical hypothyroidism.

If thyroid antibodies are tested at the same time and these are raised then you should be diagnosed with autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's, which is the most common cause of hypothyroidism) and you should be started on Levo.

If no raised antibodies your GP may want to wait until your TSH is over 10 to diagnose primary hypothyroidism.

If subclinical with symptoms your GP could offer you a trial of Levo - see

nice.org.uk/guidance/ng145/...

1.5.4 Consider a 6-month trial of levothyroxine for adults under 65 with subclinical hypothyroidism who have:

* a TSH above the reference range but lower than 10 mlU/litre on 2 separate occasions 3 months apart, and

* symptoms of hypothyroidism.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Welcome to the forum

First thing is, do you have any actual blood test results? if not will need to get hold of copies.

You are legally entitled to printed copies of your blood test results and ranges.

The best way to get access to current and historic blood test results is to register for online access to your medical record and blood test results

UK GP practices are supposed to offer everyone online access for blood test results. Ring and ask if this is available and apply to do so if possible, if it is you may need "enhanced access" to see blood results.

Link re access

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

In reality many GP surgeries do not have blood test results online yet

Alternatively ring receptionist and request printed copies of results. Allow couple of days and then go and pick up.

Important to see exactly what has been tested and equally important what hasn’t been tested yet

Just testing TSH 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 at least once year minimum

Have you had thyroid antibodies and vitamin levels tested?

About 90% of primary hypothyroidism is autoimmune thyroid disease, usually diagnosed by high thyroid antibodies

Autoimmune thyroid disease with goitre is Hashimoto’s

Autoimmune thyroid disease without goitre is Ord’s thyroiditis.

Both are autoimmune and generally called Hashimoto’s.

Low vitamin levels are extremely common when hypothyroid, especially with autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto’s or Ord’s thyroiditis)

20% of autoimmune thyroid patients never have high thyroid antibodies and ultrasound scan of thyroid can get diagnosis

In U.K. medics hardly ever refer to autoimmune thyroid disease as Hashimoto’s (or Ord’s thyroiditis)

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)

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

Link about thyroid blood tests

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

Link about Hashimoto’s

thyroiduk.org/hypothyroid-b...

Symptoms of hypothyroidism

thyroiduk.org/wp-content/up...

Being hypothyroid can significantly affect fertility and miscarriage is much more common

Getting thyroid treatment will almost always help improve fertility and reduce risk of miscarriage

What’s your diet like

Are you vegetarian or vegan

Low iron/ferritin in particular can affect thyroid levels and increase miscarriage risk

Low iron/ferritin common when hypothyroid

An article that explains why Low ferritin and low thyroid levels are often linked

preventmiscarriage.com/iron...