Looking for advice, please.

[Ellemochan]

Hi, all

Looking for some advice, please. I've finally managed to get an appointment with the GP, but I have to wait a few weeks for tests and results etc. Meanwhile, I've been doing some reading, but I just don't know what to think. I'm not asking for diagnosis, just your opinions: is it possible that I have Hyperthyroidism?

Since around the middle of last year, I have noticed some of these symptoms start and others get worse:

Weight loss (now just over 2st)

Episodes of sudden thirst

Thrush (only ever had this when pregnant)

Periods gone from clockwork 28/29 to every 19/20/20 days

Either full of energy or absolutely shattered - no in-between

Frequent headaches

Urinating more often

IBS

Blurred vision (rare, every now and again)

Patch of very itchy skin appeared on my back - I'm very careful with my skin, probably the only organ I take really good care of, so it isn't from a new cream or change to detergent etc

Fast heartbeat even at rest

Over emotional

What do you think?

[PurpleNails Administrator]

Some very typical hyper symptoms.

Have you had a blood test yet? or is this pre appointment? 

The thrush & excessive thirst can be signs of high blood sugar.   So your HBA1C should also be tested.  This will should an average level of blood sugar control over past few months.  

You have an option for earlier progress, 3 weeks is a long wait when your not well.  Then you have information at your appointment.  

You could arrange a private blood test.  You order test online - the kits arrives via post - sample can be taken by finger prick (extra fee for private venous draw). Post back and results available online usually quite quickly.  

Monitor my health offer a package with thyroid function & HbA1c.    There are other companies offering different options, some packages include thyroid function, key nutrients and thyroid Antibodies (Medichecks advanced thyroid)   Others a basic function only. Some also have discount codes available.

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

When you test or book a blood draw for thyroid test - arrange early in morning, fast over night, stop supplements containing biotin for 3 days, longer if in a high dose.  Biotin can skew results.  Post early in week to avoid weekend delays (or away from postal strike disruption)

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Could be early stage Hashimoto’s - autoimmune HYPOTHYROID disease

Hashimoto’s frequently starts with transient hyperthyroid results and symptoms before becoming increasingly hypothyroid

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

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 just before 9am and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test 

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...

Usually the cheapest test that includes both thyroid antibodies

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 

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...

True autoimmune hyperthyroid is called Graves’ disease and is confirmed by testing TSI or Trab antibodies

Link about Graves’ disease

thyroiduk.org/hyperthyroid-...

Graves Disease antibodies test - has to be private blood draw

medichecks.com/products/tsh...