goitre

[Nanette8]

Have a large goitre. Biopsy clear, yearly ultrasounds, thyroid levels normal. Can anyone advise successful treatment to shrink goitre or diet to help?

[SlowDragon Administrator]

please add actual thyroid results and ranges

TSH, Ft4 and Ft3 plus TPO and TG antibodies

Also EXTREMELY important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12

Recommended that all thyroid blood tests early morning, ideally just before 9am

This gives highest TSH 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...

Only do private testing early Monday or Tuesday morning.

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...

Tips on how to do DIY finger prick test

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

Medichecks and BH also offer private blood draw at clinic near you, or private nurse to your own home…..for an extra fee

[Nanette8 in reply to SlowDragon]

I have only had GP thyroid tests who say thyroid functioning normally, and then referred to NHS consultant who gave choice of operation or wait and see what happens, having yearly ultrasounds, it’s getting slowly bigger. Sounds like I need to see endocrine dr..?.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Nanette8]

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

patients-association.org.uk...

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

In reality some GP surgeries still 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.

Bloods should be retested 6-8 weeks after each dose change or brand change in levothyroxine

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 tested

Also both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested at least once

Very important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 at least once year minimum

Far too often GP only tests TSH

Find out exactly what has been tested first

Request missing tests or test privately

come back with new post once you get results

[Nanette8 in reply to SlowDragon]

thank you - I will do as you suggest

[PurpleNails Administrator]

Welcome Nanette

Is your goitre nodular or is that the thyroid swollen?

What are your results? Doctors say function is “normal” if TSH the pituitary hormone which signals thyroid is in range.

Have thyroid levels FT4 & FT3 been tested?

Also good idea to test thyroid antibodies (TPO & TG) & key nutrients folate, ferritin, B12 & Vitamins D.

Goitres that don’t impact function or cause physical issues such as impede breathing, swallowing, voice or grow behind collar bone or cause compressive pain are usually monitored & not treated unless become an issue.

Treatment is usually surgery or Radioactive iodine, but both these would reduce if not completely halt natural production & you would need thyroid hormone replacement.

If the issue is nodular there is a less available treatment - Radiofrequency ablation. I can add link if this is of interest.

Boswellia supplements are said to help goitres. Traditionally it said to reduce inflammation, I have tried it for a large nodule I have on 1 lobe & I feel it helps slightly.

[Nanette8 in reply to PurpleNails]

thank you - i have nodules - seems I need a more detailed Thyroid test.

[PurpleNails Administrator in reply to Nanette8]

recommend you obtain copies of scan reports. There’s often informative details which aren’t fully communicated.

You may find this post on RFA treatment of nodules of interest.

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

[Nanette8 in reply to PurpleNails]

thank you for the advice!