for about 2 months now I can feel my thyroid is swollen -
I had blood tests by doctors and confirmed that my hormone levels are normal and thyroid is functioning.
I then had an ultra sound which said that my thyroid was ‘diffuesly enlarged’ and that I also had ‘tiny cysts’ I have now been referred to the endocrinologist which can take around 2 months, I know I need to be impatient but my anxiety is crazy, convincing myself that I’m going to die and that I have thyroid cancer I am totally consumed with worrying.
The doctors didn’t seem concerned, but also don’t seem to know why my thyroid is enlarged - sure it’s because I’m worried about it but I feel like it feels bigger already.
I also recently have been getting dizzy spells and super tired (although I am a mum to a toddler)
has anyone else had similar? Or have any advice or ideas I’d be so greatful, I feel so alone with this.
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Bobble123
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my blood tests were done at 2pm and I had eaten as normal that day as wasn’t told otherwise. I have attached photo of my thyroid results.
My vitamin D and all the others you mentioned in that paragraph were all tested and came back normal.
(I do have a vitamin D deficiency but take vitamins daily for this so this is why that test came back normal)
My confusion was that even after my ultra sound my doctor didn’t know what was causing it as in his words my thyroid blood test came back normal ( a couple of years ago it came back borderline) which is why he has referred me to the endocrinologist at hospital, thank you for replying I really appreciate it!
With serum B12 result below 500, (Or active B12 below 70) recommended to be taking a separate B12 supplement
A week later add a separate vitamin B Complex
Then once your serum B12 is over 500 (or Active B12 level has reached 70), you may be able to reduce then stop the B12 and just carry on with the B Complex.
If Vegetarian or vegan likely to need ongoing separate B12 few times a week
Thorne Basic B recommended vitamin B complex that contains folate, but they are large capsules. (You can tip powder out if can’t swallow capsule) Thorne can be difficult to find at reasonable price, should be around £20-£25. iherb.com often have in stock. Or try ebay
IMPORTANT......If you are taking vitamin B complex, or any supplements containing biotin, remember to stop these 7 days before ALL BLOOD TESTS , as biotin can falsely affect test results
In week before blood test, when you stop vitamin B complex, you might want to consider taking a separate folate supplement (eg Jarrow methyl folate 400mcg) and continue separate B12
Post discussing how biotin can affect test results
Serum folate level 13.0 ug/L; Please note change in the reference range for Folate
effective from 08/10/2018.
<3 ug/L suggestive of folate deficiency.’
Thank you so much for replying with all of the information, you’ve been really helpful!
Do you still think from this that it could be Hashimoto's? Also unsure if I should start what you have recommended now or wait until after my appointment as it may appear normal when I see them if I have taken the relevant supplements if that makes sense?
Serum ferritin level is the biochemical test, which most reliably correlates with relative total body iron stores. In all people, a serum ferritin level of less than 30 micrograms/L confirms the diagnosis of iron deficiency.
Never supplement iron without doing full iron panel test for anaemia first and retest 3-4 times a year if self supplementing.
It’s possible to have low ferritin but high iron
Test early morning, only water to drink between waking and test. Avoid high iron rich dinner night before test
Eating iron rich foods like liver or liver pate once a week plus other red meat, pumpkin seeds and dark chocolate, plus daily orange juice or other vitamin C rich drink can help improve iron absorption
This is interesting because I have noticed that many patients with Hashimoto’s disease and hypothyroidism, start to feel worse when their ferritin drops below 80 and usually there is hair loss when it drops below 50.
Thank you for your incredible patience while you have been awaiting the outcome of our ferritin reference range review. We conducted this with Inuvi lab, which has now changed the reference ranges to the following:
Females 18 ≤ age < 40. 30 to 180
Females 40 ≤ age < 50. 30 to 207
Females 50 ≤ age < 60. 30 to 264l
Females Age ≥ 60. 30 to 332
Males 18 ≤ age < 40 30 to 442
Males Age ≥ 40 30 to 518
The lower limits of 30 are by the NICE threshold of <30 for iron deficiency. Our review of Medichecks data has determined the upper limits. This retrospective study used a large dataset of blood test results from 25,425 healthy participants aged 18 to 97 over seven years. This is the most extensive study on ferritin reference ranges, and we hope to achieve journal publication so that these ranges can be applied more widely.
Just to put your mind at rest - the symtoms you mentioned and your blood results suggest your thyroid is struggling, and is swollen because it is working hard. Despite this hard work, it is not managing to produce the thyroid levels you need.
No, it is not cancer, and no, you are not going to die. I know it is scary, but it is just your body saying it needs help. Once they start you on Levothyroxine, things will change, your thyroid will get the help it needs and your body will feel the benefit. Hang on in there, we are here to support you. Sending a hug.
Feel free to PM me anytime if you need a shoulder. I know how you are feeling only too well. I may take a while to respond as I am in the middle of lambing, .. It is a real shame that care and compassion is now no longer available on the NHS. You will be fine.
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