Advice with new ?Thyroid problem

[Blossom1573]

I have been experiencing neck discomfort which at its worst radiates into my jaw and is very unpleasant. Bloods show TSH low at 0.08 and T3 elevated at 8.2. T4 within range at 17.7. GP has requested USS of Thyroid and Endocrine opinion.

I have been told it’s possibly Overactive thyroid which is normally treated with beta blockers and as I am currently on them for heart condition, the GP didn’t want to prescribe additional medication.

Is there anyone who has experienced similar symptoms and how was it resolved or will it resolve on its own? I anticipate a wait for scan and answers so would appreciate more info if possible.

Thanks in advance.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Welcome to the forum

Which beta blocker exactly are you prescribed

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 you have autoimmune HYPOthyroid also called Hashimoto’s

Hashimoto’s frequently has transient hyperthyroid results in early stages

Bradycardia is linked to being HYPO

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

Also request GP test TSI or Trab antibodies for autoimmune hyperthyroidism - Graves’ disease

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)

Essential to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12

Lower vitamin levels more common as we get older

For good conversion of Ft4 (levothyroxine) to Ft3 (active hormone) we must maintain GOOD vitamin levels

What vitamin supplements are you taking …if any

Also VERY important to test TSH, Ft4 and Ft3 together

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

This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip)

Private tests are available as NHS currently rarely tests Ft3 or all relevant vitamins

Post all about what time of day to test

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

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

[Blossom1573 in reply to SlowDragon]

Thankyou so much for your lenghty and detailed response which has given me so much information to absorb. It appears that thyroid issues are complex!

I appreciate the information and advice given xx

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Blossom1573]

Come back with new post once you get test results

[Blossom1573 in reply to SlowDragon]

I have created a new post with latest results. Thankyou so much x