New to this forum, so glad to have found it, I was beginning to despair with my GP who explains nothing to me. Shocked to learn how badly thyroid conditions are treated in UK.
Began losing my eyebrows 2 years ago and my diverticulitis began flaring up after years of being stable. Various ultrasound scans and examination etc all clear. A year ago began feeling exhausted, had to sleep during the day for short periods and breathless on any exertion. Prior to that was reasonably fit and able. I'm 62, female. Awaiting results of 24hr ECG. Have maternal female cousins and aunt (all same family) all treated for decades for underactive thyroid, my GP knows this.
I now have sore wrists and finger joints, my hairdresser commented on my thinning hair recently, she has cut it for over 25 years, had frightening heart palpitations and insomnia (so bad I was on verge of going to A&E), brain fog, anxiety and poor concentration (all virtually gone or much diminished since starting Vit D supplements). Sore dry eyes and pain behind eyes, pressure feeling in my head. (Checked out, no pressure in eyes or issue with optic nerve). Given eye drops.
GP kept saying I am in normal range and the NHS Endo refuses to see me. Started taking high dose Vit D and within days the brain fog, low mood and muddled head had gone. Now completely gone although all other symptoms remain. Worryingly I am reacting very badly to mosquito bites, small puncture wounds and cuts, and bruising very easily, wounds take unusually long time to heal. I had Covid last year and was very ill, lungs badly affected and put on steroids and inhalers, my asthma which had almost gone for years suddenly re-appeared.
I've now started on Vit D mouth spray, magnesium, Vit C and zinc, garlic and thiamine supplements after doing some research on how I can help myself.
Medicheck results below if anyone cares to give any advice or comment. I stopped all supplements several days before blood test and hadn't been taking any B12 supplements at all. Grateful for any feedback, having such a distressing time.
Well, unfortunately, doctors know next to nothing about thyroid. Nor do they know much about interpreting blood test results - weird as that many seem. Your results may be in-range, but that doesn't mean much because the ranges are too wide. The TSH for example, is totally unrealistic. A euthyroid - i.e. no thyroid problems - is around 1, never over 2, and when it reaches 3 you are hypo. But, not only is the top of the range too high, but doctors completely ignore it, anyway, and like the TSH to get to 10 before they will diagnose. Total madness!
So, yes, your TSH is saying you're hypo. And your Free T4 is too low - euthyroid would be around mid-range. Percentage-wise, your FT3 is slightly higher in-range than your FT4, which is a clear indication that your thyroid is failing. Normally, it would be slightly lower than the FT4. But, doctors know nothing about all that.
Absolutely no point seeing an endo, they usually know less than GPs. And, if your results are within the so-called 'normal' range, they won't see you, anyway.
As for symptoms, doctors neither know what they are, nor do they case. For them it's all about the TSH. But, palps and thinning eyebrows and hair are screaming hypo.
But, I'm afraid I have no idea what you can do about it until your TSH at least goes over-range. Til then, no-one will be interested.
Welcome to the group Norash If you could complete your profile it helps members understand your thyroid journey so far and be able to advise you better. Click on your image icon to start. Fill out the free text box at the top.
Do you remember what time of day these tests were taken? TSH is highest at 9am so its best to alwats book your blood test for then or a little earlier. Only drink water before the test that morning and have breakfast after the blood draw.
To get a diagnosis you need 2 TSH results above range 3 months apart. Prvate blood tests won't count towards this.
Free T4 (fT4) 13.3 pmol/L (12 - 22) 13.0%
Free T3 (fT3) 4.8 pmol/L (3.1 - 6.8) 45.9%
Your thyroid is now putting on quite a struggle to push out thyroid hormones and beginning to lose its battle. I'd recommend getting GP to retest every 3-4 months.
Your thyroid antibodies are negative although they do fluctuate so worth retesting these as and when you can.
Vit D is on the low side. Vitamin D should be around 100 - 150. Buy one that includes vit K2 to help it go to your bones. Some are available in oil or you can take it with an oily meal for better absorption. Many members like the ‘Better You’ range of mouth sprays that contain both bit D & K2. Use this calculator to work out how much to take to get your level to 100-150. wildatlantichealth.com/vita...
Hi, thank you for replying and the advice. Profile enhanced. I took the test at 8.45am fasting and only water beforehand. I have purchased the Better You Vit D spray but will look at the other suggestions. I've made an appt to see a private specialist in Edinburgh next month, I don't need a GP referral. I just feel I have to try and do something rather than sit back and take this while my life goes slowly down the pan. I haven't been eating any fortified foods that I am aware of, I have avoided cereals, porridge and granola etc.
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Thyroid Test Results - Thriva
High T4 - Test Results
Help with test results please
Folate supplement/Test results
Totally lost having had my blood test results
