Sinus issues & thyroid

[LouieHusky]

Hi, my sinuses have flared up for no reason. I saw this could be linked to the thyroid. Anyone had this?

Also, I’m on 50mg of Levothyroxine and just had my blood results back…. TSH 3.31 (that’s all they checked) and I’m told everything is normal and there’s no further action.

However I’m not feeling ‘Normal’, still tired and getting pains in joints.

Any advice welcome 🙏

[TiggerMe Ambassador]

You need an increase, as a general guide when on T4 only you are aiming to get your TSH to 1 or just below

[Fizzwhizz]

I’m convinced sinus issues are related pretty sure post nasal drip is. I have issues but am currently seeking treatment. I have diagnosis of autoimmune thyroid disorder just trying to find out if I have Graves too before treatment.

[Buddy195 Administrator]

Have you tried Sterimar (saline water spray) to alleviate sinus issues? I’ve found this useful.

I advise you to test FT4 and FT3 privately if GP unwilling/ unable to do this (as these give a full picture of your thyroid health, alongside TSH) Also test key thyroid vitamins (ferritin, folate, B12 and vit D).

Forum advice re timings of blood draw (useful to keep in mind for your next test):

a)complete thyroid blood tests early morning (preferably before 9am)

b) drink only water before the blood draw

C) ensure your last dose of Levothyroxine is 24 hours before the test (ie take your daily Levo AFTER the blood draw).

This ensures highest TSH reading, lowest FT4 reading and offers consistent results. (Please note, this is a patient-to-patient tip)

[LouieHusky in reply to Buddy195]

I think it is time to look at getting a private blood test. The doctor seems to think everything is normal now and tend to get a bit upset if I ask about other options.

I have tried the saline, will try again. I have a steroid nose spray and strong antihistamines that I’m back on.

[LouieHusky]

if I get a private blood test will my doctor be interested in looking at the results and acting on them? Just worried that if I pay out the doctors will dismiss the results because they have told be my TSH is normal?

Or should I see a specialist?

[SarahJane1471 in reply to LouieHusky]

My GP has just recently accepted my MMH results

[TiggerMe Ambassador in reply to LouieHusky]

Possibly not, what your GP should be acting on is the fact that you are still symptomatic and a trial increase should be offered.... worth getting a private full panel for your own records and t o see if you are converting well enough

[TiggerMe Ambassador in reply to TiggerMe]

The other possible way to challenge them is that NICE guidelines suggest 1.6mcg T4 per Kg of body weight... do you weigh around 30Kgs?

[LouieHusky in reply to TiggerMe]

That’s my dogs weight 😬

[TiggerMe Ambassador in reply to LouieHusky]

Thought that might be the case! 😆

[TiggerMe Ambassador in reply to TiggerMe]

I always used the scales at the vets and generally weighed in as a French Bull Mastiff... think I'm now up to St Bernard! 😁

[Hedgeree in reply to TiggerMe]

🤔🤣 Think I'd be at least two St Bernard's!

[Hedgeree]

Hi LouieHusky,

As others have said, some GP's do accept private blood tests though many don't (mine won't 🙄)

What brand of levothyroxine are you taking? Also are you dairy free? My sinus issues all went when I stopped consuming dairy products.

[LouieHusky in reply to Hedgeree]

I have moved pharmacy to get Accord Levothyroxine. I not completely dairy free, I don’t have milk but do have cheese sometimes and live yogurt.

I will ask my doctors whether it’s worth getting private blood test done.

Thanks