Hi all,I've been told I have an underactive thyroid recently after feeling very tired and achy for a few months, and having a blood test.
No treatment as yet, seems more tests are to follow.
I've become much more tired, a bit weepy ( not like me at all😔).
And, horror of horrors, I'm gaining weight, when, prior to this, my attempt at weight loss, calorie and carb counting, exercise, healthy eating etc, was working.
I'm 69, 4ft 11in. Usually very energetic, dancing round the kitchen with a glass of red on a Saturday eve while hubby and I cook dinner, one of my gentle pleasures.
I'd really appreciate advice on managing this, and if there are any steps I can take to get my mojo back.
Thanks for reading my little tale of woe. 😄
Written by
cheeseandonioncrisps
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First thing is, do you have any actual blood test results?
if not it’s a good idea to get hold of copies.
You are legally entitled to printed copies of your blood test results and ranges.
The best way to get access to current and historic blood test results is to register for online access to your medical record and blood test results
UK GP practices are supposed to offer everyone online access for blood test results. Ring and ask if this is available and apply to do so if possible, if it is you may need "enhanced access" to see blood results.
In reality some GP surgeries still do not have blood test results online yet
Alternatively ring receptionist and request printed copies of results. Allow couple of days and then go and pick up.
Bloods should be retested 6-8 weeks after each dose change or brand change in levothyroxine
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 your hypothyroidism is autoimmune
Very important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 at least once year minimum and especially at diagnosis
Low vitamin levels are extremely common when hypothyroid, especially with autoimmune thyroid disease
Common to need to improve low vitamin levels with supplements
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 and test (and once you start on levothyroxine ….last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test )
This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip)
Find out what GP has tested this time
Request any missing tests done at next test
Private tests are available as NHS currently rarely tests Ft3 or all relevant vitamins
Hello and thank you for such an in depth reply.I've looked online for test results.
The only dates I can see are 27th June 24, and that test said normal, but a month ago I got a call from the nurse, telling me I had high cholesterol and low thyroid.
The later test was because I had asked for help, as I feel so tired.
How can I be told low thyroid one day, and then see a normal result a month later?
If you have an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), treatment may be delayed until this problem is treated. This is because having an underactive thyroid can lead to an increased cholesterol level, and treating hypothyroidism may cause your cholesterol level to decrease, without the need for statins. Statins are also more likely to cause muscle damage in people with an underactive thyroid.
One of the best things you can start doing is obtain a copy of keep records of blood test results.
Ask practice receptionists for a printed copy of results with ranges or set up online access to results if possible.
Drs don’t always complete a full thyroid test & often will “tick off” anything result in range. There can however be a considerable difference between being in range and what optimal for an individual.
For full thyroid function you need TSH, FT4 & FT3. TPO & TG antibodies, also important to test folate,ferritin B12 & vitamin D.
Many use private companies to complete a full test as NHS rarely test FT3 & Nutrients. See what has been tested so far.
If FT4 & or FT3 under-range or TSH over range 2x 3 months apart or over 10 replacement T4 (levothyoxine) can be prescribed. Doctor may start on 25mcg & it will be slowly increased. 50mcg standard starter dose but doctors are more cautious if over 60.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
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