I’m just back from an ultrasound on my thyroid where the dr conducting the procedure declared my thyroid “boringly normal “. She also added that my larynx was “beautiful “.
She then stated that I “do not have a thyroid condition “. I respectfully disagreed but she persisted: “your thyroid is fine, you’ve been worrying yourself, maybe it’s post-viral, like M.E?” I respectfully disagreed with that diagnosis and left, relieved that my thyroid is healthy looking.
Please can I get confirmation that I’m right in my belief that one’s actual thyroid can be fine and you can still have hypothyroidism? I’m just having a wobbly moment.
I’m currently taking levothyroxine and plan to start adding T3 soon. Recent bloods show poor conversion.
edit: it’s occurred to me that a thyroid diagnosis is made based on blood tests and doesn’t require an ultrasound to confirm that. My daughter, for example, was diagnosed with hypothyroidism in the summer based purely on her bloods.
Thanks 🙏
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J972
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There is also a Grave's version of hypothyroidism, when the patient has blocking antibodies, but I don't know anything about that personally.
Another problem could be Central Hypothyroidism (CH). In this condition the problem is not with the thyroid, but with the pituitary and/or hypothalamus, and this results in people producing too little TSH for their needs.
Other things to consider :
Poor nutrient levels can reduce output of the thyroid and cause hypothyroidism-like symptoms.
Too low a level of thyroid hormones can raise cortisol, and that combination can cause symptoms like hypothyroidism.
I'm sure there are other causes of someone being hypothyroid, or having symptoms of low levels of thyroid hormones, or nutrients, or the wrong levels of cortisol that mimic being hypothyroid.
Problems with low sex hormones can also affect the thyroid hormone levels (or vice versa), but I don't know anything about that personally.
I tested positive once for TPO antibodies (just above range) earlier this year. They’ve steadily declined since then. I’m gluten-free and taking levothyroxine.
Interesting what you say about low nutrient levels affecting thyroid levels and causing symptoms. I knew optimising vitamins and minerals were important for converting T4 to T3 but hadn’t really appreciated that inadequate nutrition levels could in and of themselves indicate a thyroid problem. Will this type of thyroid issue be improved by replacing the missing hormones or is it just to do with optimising vitamins and minerals? As an aside, I’m suffering *terribly* with gastrointestinal problems. Currently on a radically streamlined diet. Coincidentally, I have another procedure on Monday - an endoscopy - so I’m intrigued to see what that throws up.
Will this type of thyroid issue be improved by replacing the missing hormones or is it just to do with optimising vitamins and minerals?
I can't answer that, sorry. I suspect the answer isn't the same for everyone. There may be a very small number of hypothyroid people whose thyroid hormone levels get better with better nutrient levels, but I would think the vast majority need thyroid hormones as well as optimising nutrients to feel well.
Suggest you retest INCLUDING Thyroglobulin antibodies via Medichecks or BH
all thyroid blood tests early morning, ideally just before 9am, only drink water between waking and test and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test
This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip)
On T3 - day before test split T3 as 2 or 3 smaller doses spread through the day with last dose 8-12 hours before test
Private tests are available as NHS currently rarely tests Ft3 or all relevant vitamins
List of private testing options and money off codes
My bloods, not just my symptoms, clearly indicate a thyroid condition. Central hypothyroidism is associated with low TSH readings, right? Mine have never been low (prior to self medicating that is).
My confusion centres around her confident assertion that I don’t have a thyroid problem based solely on an ultrasound of my thyroid gland. She hasn’t seen any of my blood test results.
Is it possible to have a thyroid condition and associated symptoms and a healthy looking gland?
Yes I had a medichecks full iron panel in July this year, I thought the results looked ok so didn’t post them but went ahead with supplementing (three arrows):
CRP HS 0.46 (0-5)
Iron 20.5 (5.8-34.5)
TIBC 53.3 (43 - 81)
UIBC 32.8 (24.2 - 70.1)
Transferrin saturation 38.5 (20 - 50)
Ferritin 62.8 (13 - 150)
In August I had my ferritin checked by nhs as part of a full blood count:
That is my understanding, too: once you've tested positive for antibodies you have a thyroid condition. It doesn't just go away. But of course it's good news that your thyroid seems to be in a good state at the moment.
Congratulations on a beautiful larynx. I don't know if you're on any dating apps, but might be worth adding that to your profile. 😂
Hang onto your hat.... Doctors come out with all sorts of inane comments. You have tested positive for Hashi so that's that. It doesn't go away but it may quieten down for a while then flare up.
Doctor you've seen is unusual in that she's not fixed on blood test results... Wow! Her belief is if she can't visually see it is isn't there! Clearly not aware of the complexity of the thyroid system. Bless her.....
Don't be put off by her comments. I've had some corkers over the years. 🙄🤣😂 Congrats on the beautiful larynx.
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Am I on the correct dose of levo?
I don't feel right but doctor says blood tests are fine
Correct dosage or should I be worried?
Goitre - Should I have been offered an ultrasound? 
Can I correct my thyroid through diet?
