Thyroid advice

[Literarymama]

Hi all, I'm looking for some advice please. Following the birth of my daughter 17 months ago I was diagnosed with Postpartum thyroiditis and prescribed Carbimazole. Within two months my levels were deemed normal again and I was taken off the medication. Since then, my symptoms have come back with a vengeance. Recent bloods showed TSH 1.4mlU/ol' and free T4 14 pmol/L. My symptoms include: extreme fatigue, muscle aches, cold feet and hands, sore eyes, headaches etc. Is there still a chance I have a thyroid issue with these "normal" results?

[PurpleNails Administrator]

With thyroiditis the initial hyper results are transient, it’s very common for the thyroid function to lessen proceeding this & become hypothyroid.

TSH isn’t reliable, FT4 looks low, ranges vary between labs so please add.

You also need FT3 tested.  

Have antibodies been tested?

TPOab (Thyroid Peroxidase antibodies) 

TGab (Thyroglobulin antibodies

These are associated with autoimmune thyroiditis (transient hyper, ultimately hypothyroid)

 TRab or TSI should have been tested tested when diagnosed hyper & placed on carbimazole.   As taken off carbimazole may not have been tested & assumed this was postpartum.  

How are your eyes affected?  There is an associated thyroid eye disease (TED) particularly associated with hyperthyroid but anyone with thyroid history can be affected.  

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Request GP also test full iron panel for anaemia including ferritin

Vitamin D, folate and B12

Was recent thyroid test done early morning. TSH is highest early morning and drops through the day

Autoimmune thyroid disease also called Hashimoto’s frequently starts with transient hyperthyroid results and symptoms before becoming increasingly hypothyroid

Hashimoto’s frequently starts after hormonal changes, eg pregnancy

Important to test TPO and TG thyroid antibodies

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...

Only do private testing early Monday or Tuesday morning. 

Watch out for postal strikes, probably want to pay for guaranteed 24 hours delivery 

[Regenallotment]

I see you are getting great advice from SlowDragon

Just wanted to share experience, my baby is now 18 and at Uni! Feels like yesterday, I had a similar experience and wasn’t right for about 18 months. I’ve since discovered I have Hashi’s (always suspected).

My advice, be a nuisance at the doctors, demand better, you are young fit and healthy you should not have these symptoms. They are treatable. Insist on investigating and go private if you have to. Keep on with regular blood tests and keep records of symptoms, dates, etc

My mental health took a pounding as I multi tasked and multi failed at home and work. Gave up a good job etc etc.

If you do have antibodies , you might need a variety of treatment, that changes over time. Be prepared to own it and advocate for yourself.

Sending hugs 🦋💚🦋