what would you do? Thyroid and Gonadotropin results

[Carsey2411]

Hi,

I posted the other day.

History of low but in range thyroid results and I have had once below range LH.

I have seen a consultant to had a range of blood tests and MRI of brain and he ruled out CH.

I did some home testing kits this week. No surprise on my thyroid as I’m always low.

My gonadotropins were below range FSH 2.2 (3.5-12.5) and LH 1.1 (2.4-12.4)

Both finger prick tests so was thinking of having venous tests next month to check again.

What would you do next?

Thanks

[radd]

Carsey2411,

I would ask for a second opinion regarding your consults dismissive approach towards central hypo. An MRI doesn't eliminate pituitary signal failure, only some reasons for it happening, eg a tumour or Hashi damage, and your labs speak for themselves.

Your thyroid hormones will never raise without a nudge from TSH which appears to remain firmly out of action. In hypo, prolactin won't raise either without a higher TSH, and LH/FSH are often low in women taking HRT.

Your opening post refers to consistently low thyroid hormones and TSH, that alone indicates a problem with the pituitary. Your GP then diagnosed hypothyroidism but wouldn't prescribe Levo, presumably because he had referred you by then. You do not have raised thyroid antibodies.

Anxiety is common in people with thyroid issues and caused by over working adrenals producing high amounts of cortisol and adrenaline to support your compromised thyroid hormone levels.

Thyroid UK (who runs this forum) has a list of endocrinologists that HU forum members have recommended. This list is available from ... thyroiduk.org/help-and-supp...

[Carsey2411 in reply to radd]

thank you for such a comprehensive reply. I appreciate it. I feel like I’m going mad sometimes as I know something isn’t quite right, I just can’t put my finger on it.

I am on HRT. I didn’t realise that impacted FSH and LH. Although LH has been below range before I commenced HRT

my cortisol levels seem normal on bloods.

My GP had referred me and started the letter with ‘My patient experiences anxiety and we think she maybe need further investigation’. I really did feel like they were going through the motions as I’m private.

Thank you for the list. I did get the name from that list but the consultant now seems to have been removed.

To be honest I feel embarrassed going back to the GP as they seem to think everything is down to anxiety and do not acknowledge my bloods as they are in range.

Sorry a bit of a rant.

[Hedgeree]

Hi Carsey2411,

Although blurry I can read your name details from your results image. Admin usually advise to remove personal details before posting information as you could be at risk of identity theft.

[Carsey2411 in reply to Hedgeree]

thank you removed.

[Hedgeree]

Hi Carsey,

I know how upsetting and frustrating it can be when you're not taken seriously by your GP and other medical professionals. There are others on the forum that have not been listened to and had a similar experience to yourself.

Apologies as I've not read your earlier posts but have you tried writing to the named Practice Manager and also seeing a different GP in your surgery?

If you write a polite but firm letter outlining what your problems and symptoms are and what you would like them to do about it (prescribe levothyroxine) Also refer to any published research supporting what you suggest.

When I did this it took a few letters but it resulted in me getting blood tests done (which had been previously denied) and I got a referral which eventually led to me being prescribed Levo.

I still don't have a diagnosis of hypothyroidism but had a suspicious nodule removed which I'd had unknowingly for many years.

Obviously I'm not saying you have a suspicious nodule but you know your own body and that something isn't right so please don't give up.

Best wishes.