Hashimoto’s?

[KateJS]

Hi,

I’ve been lurking a while, learning lots and you all seem to know your stuff.

Thought I would share a bit of background about my own health journey as I need some advice.

I’ve not felt myself since I had my son 10 years ago lol Always had horrific periods which made me anaemic. Struggled to conceive no.2 and since diagnosed with Adenomyosis and Fibroids. Fatigue has been a problem for a long time and I can never seem to lose weight or keep it off.

The last few years have got worse and my symptoms vary but I can petty much tick every single one for an underactive thyroid; swollen fingers, puffy eyes, dry skin, dizziness, thinning eyebrows, my hair fell out after I had Covid/Pneumonia in 2021. I also had an iron infusion which didn’t help much. I still felt awful. I’m now on the Progesterone only pill so I don’t have periods anymore. I’m 47 so given up hope of conceiving again anyway. My nails are brittle, I’m weak and the exhaustion is off the scale! Every day I want to nap!

I work full time (4 days from home) and have changed my lifestyle a lot since the pandemic. I practice yoga Pilates once a week, watch what I eat but now I have Type 2 diabetes, NAFLD and high ldl and Bp for the first time. I had gestational diabetes which was diet controlled and had an amazing water birth so I don’t have any unresolved trauma or anything.

the diabetes and high liver function tests have got worse this past year.

Recent bloods through my work healthcare plan show HCA1C as 106! Ferritin within normal range, TSH all Normal at 1.99 and my T4 is 14.2 BUT I had to beg for antibody tests from my GP and my TPO is 324! Does this mean I could have Hashimoto’s / Hypothyroidism or be subclinical?

I’m desperate for some answers so I can feel better and get my energy back. Im considering going to a Functional Health Practitioner on Harley Street but thought I’d get some advice here first.

sorry for the long post, any suggestions or recommendations on how to dig deeper and find out what’s going on would be appreciated. The NHS take forever now and I can’t carry on like this indefinitely.

Thank you!

Kate x

[Jaydee1507 Administrator]

Welcome to the group.

Do you have the full test results please? We need to see reference ranges for each test - numbers in brackets after your result number. Ranges vary from lab to lab.

What time of day was your thyroid test? Highest TSH will be at 9am, it runs on a circadian pattern.

'Normal' results really don't mean anything, its how they are interpreted that matters. The range for ferritin is very wide and cut off point too low. What was your result with reference range?

Did you have any other vitamin tests? Hypo people get low vitamin levels as they cannot absorb nutrients well from their food. Low vitamin levels can also lower TSH.

If you have raised TPO antibodies you do have Hashimoto's. Antibodies wax and wane over many years as the thyroid is slowly destroyed. Many with autoimmune thyroid disease aka Hashimoto's benefit from a gluten free diet. A smaller percentage of those also need to remove dairy from their diet to feel well. These are intolerances and will not show up on any blood test.

Next step would be to get your own private blood test that shows all thyroid levels - TSH, FT4 & FT3. NHS dont test FT3 as a rule. Also full vitamin tests - ferritin, folate B12 & D3. Private tests are available, see link for companies offering private blood tests & discount codes, some offer a blood draw service at an extra cost. thyroiduk.org/help-and-supp...

There is also a new company offering walk in & mail order blood tests in Crawley, Hove and Reigate areas. Check to see if there is a blood test companies near you. onedaytests.com/products/ul...

Recommended blood test protocol: Test at 9am (or as close as possible), fasting, no biotin containing supplements for 3-7 days (Biotin can interfere with thyroid blood results as it is used in the testing process)? Testing like this gives consistency in your results and will show stable blood levels of hormone.

[KateJS in reply to Jaydee1507]

Hi Jaydee,

Thanks for getting back to me and sorry for late reply- been busy at work.

To answer your questions;

My thyroid test was 1pm. I usually try and get them done in the morning. I have a FT4 test on 9th May in the morning.

My iron and ferritin was low due to heavy periods a couple of years ago hence the need for an infusion. Then my levels went too high, now they’re considered normal but I have high haeomoglobin now and high RBC 🙄🤷🏽‍♀️

I was on Metformin for about 6 months at the same time too (for periods not blood sugar) but I couldn’t stomach it so stopped as it didn’t seem to be helping with anything.

I was low Vit D 2/3 years ago but took 4000ius and now they’re considered normal again. I took lugols iodine for a year and that seemed to help my fatigue. 8 drops a day of 15%. I stopped taking it in December.

I was put on Linagliptin last year for my first high sugar reading of 52 when I was told I was type 2 diabetic but things got worse and the drug didn’t work so was told to stop and we’d reevaluate.

I stopped all my supplements last December as I wanted to see where my baseline blood tests were at.

I’ve only recently started taking supplements again, 1000mg Berberine to help my blood sugar, chromium, ACV, Vit D, Manganese, MSM, Magnesium Citrate, Hyalauronic Acid, Chlorella, Garlic and probiotics. I’m constipated too and the supplements seem to help with that a bit

I’m exhausted. I can’t do this anymore it’s affecting my life. I have no energy to function.

I’ve had full bloodworks done through my work in January which was what highlighted my sugars had got worse.

I can’t get down to Crawley as I’m in Essex.

I’ll wait to see what my FT4 results are before booking anymore tests so I’ll keep you updated.

Meanwhile, see my previous 2 blood test results attached if you want a challenge to decipher what on earth is going on lol

Thanks so much for your time and reply. Much appreciated. Please let me know what you think! Xx

Blood test results

[KateJS in reply to KateJS]

for some reason I can’t post more than one image at a time 🙄🤷🏽‍♀️

Results

[Jaydee1507 Administrator in reply to KateJS]

There are blood tests available all over the country, see link. Some you can do by finger prick at home. thyroiduk.org/help-and-supp...

Your folate is low. We would recommend a good methyl B complex to keep all the B vitamins balanced. Like this one amazon.co.uk/Liposomal-Soft...

Always book thyroid bloods for 9am or as close as possible and do it fasting for consistency and highest TSH.

You could try being strictly gluten free.

In the UK you need 2 consecutive NHS TSH results above range or one above 10 to get a diagnosis.

[KateJS in reply to Jaydee1507]

Thanks for your reply. Much appreciated.

I will get the folate supplements you recommend. How much should I be taking a day?

I’ve tried being GF just to reduce general inflammation but I don’t think it makes much difference tbh. I buy GF pasta but do have whole meal wraps and seeded crackers so I don’t tend to eat bread much as it raises my blood sugars.

I have an appointment with the Diabetic nurse tomorrow so will see what medication they suggest.

My T4 blood test is next week. If that is inconclusive I will get private bloods done using the link you suggest. I may be able to claim it back under my work health plan.

I have been using a glucose monitor too just to keep an eye on what foods spike my sugars.

If I could shake this crippling fatigue to have some energy and lose some weight (105kg and 5’ 8”) I’m sure I would feel so much better.

It’s been such a battle 😔

[Jaydee1507 Administrator in reply to KateJS]

You just need to take 1 a day of the B complex I sent a link to. It contains 400mcgs folate as well as B12 & other B vitamins that help keep them all balanced.

To be gluten free it has to be strictly gluten free, no cheating or odd amounts of gluten.

Pay attention to the blood test protocol as that will help show your TSH at its highest.

[KateJS in reply to Jaydee1507]

Thanks Jaydee. I’ve ordered some B vitamins with folates but without biotin.

My blood test is booked for 9am. I managed to get another GP appointment and requested a referral to an Endocrinologist which he agreed and has also ordered some more antibody blood tests; Autoantibody Screen (AA) and Intrinsic Factor Antibodies (IFA) and B12 & Folate tests too so I’m finally getting somewhere!

I will keep you posted on progress.

Thank you x

[PurpleNails Administrator]

Welcome to forum.

Please can you add ranges with results.  Lab ranges vary between labs. 

With positive TPO its evidence thyroid autoimmune is occurring, it’s a case of careful monitoring for levels to decline to a treatable level. 

Usually doctors focus on TSH.  2x over range TSH 3 months apart allows for treatment but the TSH is an unreliable marker.  

FT4 and the more active / powerful hormone FT3 are much more relevant to symptoms. 

What is exact ferritin results & range.  In range is very different to optimal.

Is your type 2 being treated? Some medications affect nutrients such as B12. 

Before arranging a consult might be worth while testing folate, B12 & vitamin D.  With a follow up TSH FT4 & important FT3. 

Link to private companies & discounts  

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

Order kit online, finger prick sample at home & results available quickly.  

Working on any low nutritional may help TSH reflect thyroid levels & will combat any knock on symptoms caused by them. 

Low thyroid levels can cause low stomach acid, often mistaken for acid reflux & gluten intolerance dairy can also be common factor. 

Recommended blood tests for thyroid be arranged for early morning eg 09.00. Fast overnight.  Avoid any supplement containing biotin as can interfere with test. 

[KateJS in reply to PurpleNails]

thanks purplenails,

Really appreciate your response. See my reply above and here are my recent thyroid blood results.

I just want to get to the bottom of why I feel so awful 😞

Thank you for your time xx

Thyroid results