How can I help subclinical hyperthyroid mum?

[Roo32]

My mum has been experiencing pronounced symptoms of hyperthyroid for over a year. It started when she lost weight whilst have a dramatic increase in appetite, however after dropping about a stone this has stabilised whilst her appetite has remained much greater than in the past, and she’s suffering with increased fatigue. She’s had some tsh tests done (I’ll try to update with the results) but whilst we interpreted the results as mildly hyperthyroid they were dismissed by the GP as normal. From my own b12 deficiency journey I’m suspicious of this type of dismissal and posts on here seem to confirm this doesn’t mean there’s no issue or need for treatment.

She also had a goiter which was investigated. This has reduced in size but seems to come and go, effecting her speech or swallowing sometimes but not others.

She’s a very active and health conscious 72 year old, but due to lots of other things going on at the moment she doesn’t have the time to focus on this problem, and the NHS isn’t going to help. I’m trying to understand how I can best help her? Should we get a thorough thyroid check through medichecks? Should I seek a private endo for her? I’m concerned this option might not be realistic financially with follow ups etc. If we get the full tests done ourselves, will the GP take action based on these if they indicate it? I’m getting the impression from my research that it’s better for these things to be treated early if possible. I’ve a 7 month old though and I’m not managing to do as much reading around this as I’d like. This community has been so helpful to me in the past in relation to my pernicious anemia so I’m hoping to find helpful advice again. I should add - mums b12 has been checked and is normal (really).

[greygoose]

Hi Roo32, welcome to the forum.

Just testing TSH is totally inadequate. It tells you nothing. What you need are:

TSH

FT4

FT3

TPO antibodies

Tg antibodies

vit D

vit B12

folate

ferritin

The antibodies are very important because that will tell you if she has the autoimmune thyroiditis, aka Hashi's. And that would explain the low TSH, bordering on hyperthyroidism, because Hashi's starts with a hyper-like phase that then become hypo.

Most doctors dislike private blood test because they don't understand all the results, so they want to do their own, but will only test TSH, usually, which is useless. However, if she does have high antibodies, they might take it all more seriously. So, very worthwhile doing.

[Roo32 in reply to greygoose]

Hi, thank you for your reply. Ok, so we should get the tests done and basically if needed, use the results to push harder? Sorry if this is a stupid question but is there any possibility that the results will show there are things she can do independently to help with whatever is going on?

[greygoose in reply to Roo32]

Yes, that's right.

No such thing as a stupid question. If nutrients come back low, then you will need to optimise them yourselves because doctors haven't a clue! But, don't worry, we can help you with that.

[Roo32 in reply to greygoose]

Also if the tsh is within range, how likely is it there still are thyroid issues?

[greygoose in reply to Roo32]

Very likely! Although you'd probably never get a doctor to admit it.

Most TSH ranges go up to at least 4.5, but you are hypo when your TSH gets to 3, and can have symptoms even when it's 2, because the TSH is a very unreliable indicator of thyroid status.

[Roo32]

Got it. This is so similar to my b12 experience. Thank goodness for healthunlocked. I guess I’ll be back with the results!

[Torquaygirl]

hi I am also subclinical hyperthyroidism. My TSH has been low for I recently discovered since 2011 when I saw endocrinologist! The levels had been ignored by GP and I was told it was fine. But I insisted they kept an eye on it. I am a little complicated as I have sjogrens, an autoimmune disorder. But whilst in hospital with atrial fibrillation I asked Dr to check TSH again and it had dropped again . I know AFib can be caused by hyperthyroidism. Since discharge I have done some research and there is more evidence to suggest the sub clinical hyper can cause AFib.

Although I do have a number of other risks factors for AFib. So the endocrinologist would not commit that this has caused the AFib, but I think it has. I also realised that I have had many symptoms for quite a few months .

Cardiology referred me to endocrinologist who I have seen and because of the heart tablet I am on , which affects the thyroid and I am on a low dose of carbimazole. I am waiting for them to decide now whether they will stop the heart pill so I can have a thyroid scan done, they think I have a nodule, as antibodies were negative.

I tell you this long story to reiterate to you that you must keep an eye on these blood tests and push for care. I would not have seen endocrinology if it had not been for my admission and could have ended up being very ill on this heart pill.

So if you need to do some private blood tests and pressure the GP about them.

I also wear a Fitbit which identified the AFib for me, they have done a massive amount of research on it.

Please take care and good luck