Hashimotos?

[Susanmcg]

I have had elevated TSH for about 10 years and my GP did not seem very keen to do anything. I got a monitor my health test on the 12/9/23 and advanced thyroid check with Medichecks on the 11/10/23. The results are below and I would really appreciate any support. I have booked an appointment with one of the recommended thyroid GPs but she doesn't have a slot until December. I am not on any thyroid medication and stopped all vitamins etc before. I take loss dose HRT. Both tests early morning. I don't feel too unwell just a sense of something is not right with joint aches, numb hands and swollen tongue in the morning. I had parathyroid surgery in 2016 which may be linked. I have been putting symptoms down to post menopause and age but now not too sure. Any ideas?

Monitor my health results: 12/9/2023

Vit D 60 nmol/L

TSH 7.2 mU/L range 0.27-4.2

Thyroixine 17.2 pmol/L range 12-22

T3 4.5 pmol/L range 3.1-6.8

I think my T4/T3 ration is 3.1

Cholesterol 5.8 mmol/L should be <5

HDL 1.25 mmol/L should be >1.2

Non HDL 4.6 mmol/L

Triclycerides 1.37 mmol/L should be <4.5

HbA1c. 34mmol/l should be < 42

Heamaglobin 155 g/l test said normal

Ferritin 180ug/L normal

TSAT 29% normal

Active B12 51pmol/L normal

Folate 5.2ug/L normal

Medichecks results test taken on 11/10/23

Inflammation

CRP HS 1.880 mg/L (Range: < 3)

Iron Status

Ferritin X 183.00 ug/L (Range: 30 - 150)

Vitamin B12 - Active 45.2 pmol/L

(Range: 37.5 - 188)

Vitamin D 59.1 nmol/L

Thyroid Hormones

TSH X 5.990 mIU/L (Range: 0.27 - 4.2)

Free T3 4.6 pmol/L (Range: 3.1 - 6.8)

Free Thyroxine 15.2 pmol/L (Range: 12 - 22)

Autoimmunity

Thyroglobulin Antibodies 20.20 kIU/L (Range: 0 - 115)

Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies X 106.0 kIU/L (Range: 0 - 34)

[Bertwills]

Hi, I’m surprised none of the more experienced members haven’t answered your post but I can tell from your tests that you have raised antibodies so you do have Hashimoto’s disease. Your TSH is raised to show that you are hypothyroid though unfortunately the NHS protocol demands that your TSH must be over 10 in order to be prescribed Levothyroxine.

Your cholesterol is raised which is another sign of hypothyroidism. You may be able to use this to your advantage if your GP is aware of the link between being hypo & raised cholesterol. Don’t let them tell you that you need statins. You really need levothyroxine.

At the moment your tests show reasonable T4 & T3, not great, but ok. The only thing I can suggest to improve how you feel is to boost your intake of folate, vit D, selenium and B12. Many people use a mouth spray for D & B12 as it avoids the digestion. Thorne Basic B is a recommended tablet on here.

Only thing you didn’t mention is your digestion, how is that? Hypos tend to have low stomach acid so have many digestive problems including reflux. Best not to treat digestive problems with Omeprazole or similar as this increases the problem causing the acid to reduce further. Cider vinegar is a better choice for many.

Hopefully you will benefit from your appointment in December. Hope this helps. Keep reading posts here and you’ll learn a great deal.

[Susanmcg in reply to Bertwills]

Thank you so much. I really appreciate your reply. Yes don't want statins and my digestion is sluggish with some reflux so that makes sense. I will take the vitamins and hope for more when I see the doc.

[Bertwills in reply to Susanmcg]

I have found digestive enzymes helpful for my digestion. I like the ones from Time health but there are cheaper ones. Since you have antibodies many people here swear by a gluten & dairy free diet. I reluctantly went gluten free & it has helped my digestion. I have almond milk but also have sheep’s yoghurt & buffalo mozzarella. They don’t cause me any stomach pain & help with calcium levels. Good luck when you see the doc. Do lots of research first.

[Gingernut44]

If you’re not seeing your Thyroid Doctor until December, it would be a good idea to have another MMH thyroid test done (TSH, FT4 and FT3) just before the appointment and take along your previous test results as well.

[Susanmcg in reply to Gingernut44]

Yes I will do that. Meanwhile I am off gluten and taking supplements. Thanks.