Central Hypothyroidism

[BrianTheElder]

I had a blood test at a hospital (for unrelated reasons) and it showed my TSH as 1.12 and my Free T4 as 10.2.

The haematology department wrote to my GP asking for a repeat of the tests and if they remain abnormal, to refer me to an endocrinologist.

The results came back from the GP's lab as 1.15 and 10.2. Both were marked as "Normal - no action".

So, not being able to get an appointment for six weeks, I wrote to the GP. He phoned me to say that the results were fine as far as he was concerned, but that if I wanted to see an endocrinologist, the waiting list is six months. I managed to get a private referral from him, but I am concerned about whether I should follow this up.

Any advice would be welcome.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

BEFORE booking private consultation you need FULL thyroid and vitamin testing

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

Also both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested at least once to see if possible hypothyroidism is autoimmune

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

Low vitamin levels are extremely common when hypothyroid, especially with autoimmune thyroid disease

Looking at your age ……low vitamin levels are extremely common as we get older

What, if any vitamin supplements are you taking?

Are you on any medication, if yes ….what exactly

Hypothyroidism

About 90% of primary hypothyroidism is autoimmune thyroid disease, usually diagnosed by high TPO and/or high TG thyroid antibodies

Autoimmune thyroid disease with goitre is Hashimoto’s

Autoimmune thyroid disease without goitre is Ord’s thyroiditis.

Both are autoimmune and generally called Hashimoto’s.

Significant minority of Hashimoto’s patients only have high TG antibodies (thyroglobulin)

20% of autoimmune thyroid patients never have high thyroid antibodies and ultrasound scan of thyroid can get diagnosis

In U.K. medics hardly ever refer to autoimmune thyroid disease as Hashimoto’s (or Ord’s thyroiditis)

Recommended that all thyroid blood tests early morning, ideally just before 9am, only drink water between waking

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

Testing options and includes money off codes for private testing

thyroiduk.org/testing/

Medichecks Thyroid plus BOTH TPO and TG antibodies and vitamins

medichecks.com/products/adv...

Blue Horizon Thyroid Premium Gold includes BOTH TPO and TG antibodies, cortisol and vitamins

bluehorizonbloodtests.co.uk...

Only do private testing early Monday or Tuesday morning.

Link about thyroid blood tests

thyroiduk.org/testing/thyro...

Link about Hashimoto’s

thyroiduk.org/hypothyroid-b...

Symptoms of hypothyroidism

thyroiduk.org/signs-and-sym...

Tips on how to do DIY finger prick test

support.medichecks.com/hc/e...

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

[userotc]

My research into CH indicates that it is less well understood including just some underlying causes listed. I can provide links. Generally most endos seem to treat the same as primary.

My personal approach is to address the underlying cause which I believe I know in my case of potential CH (undiagnosed).

If you wish to discuss further, feel free to pm me any time now or in future.