What type of hypothyroidism do I have,?

[Dodds]

My mother had a goitre and my sister born with no functioning thyroid. I realise I had thyroid problems from childhood but not treated until nearly 50 50 is this hashimotos or autoimmune considering familial connection?

[Buddy195 Administrator]

Hashimotos needs to be confirmed by positive thyroid antibodies, namely:

 TPOab

Thyroid Peroxidase antibodies

and/ or

TGab

Thyroglobulin antibodies

Have you ever had these tested?

Although thyroid conditions often do run in families, as in your case, many members (myself included) report to be the only family member with thyroid issues.

[Dodds in reply to Buddy195]

No I never have. Does it matter?

[Jaydee1507 Administrator in reply to Dodds]

You were asking of you have Hashi's and to find that out you would need to get your antibodies tested.

NHS will only test TPO type but privately you can also test Tg type.

When hypo we get low stomach acid which means we cannot absorb vitamins well from our food, regardless of a great diet. For thyroid hormone to work well we need OPTIMAL levels of vitamins.

Have you recently or could you ask your GP to test levels of ferritin, folate, B12 & D3? Private tests are available, see link for companies offering private blood tests & discount codes, some offer a blood draw service at an extra cost. thyroiduk.org/testing/priva...

There is also a new company offering walk in& mail order blood tests in London, Kent, Sussex & Surrey areas. Check to see if there is a blood test company near you. onedaytests.com/products/ul...

Only do private tests on a Monday or Tuesday to avoid postal delays.

[Dodds in reply to Jaydee1507]

Thank you that's really helpful. I will certainly do this

[Dodds in reply to Dodds]

Are there any specific vitamins I should consider in any event not withstanding a blood test?

[Buddy195 Administrator in reply to Dodds]

We don’t advise supplementing key vitamins unless necessary. Its best to test key vitamins and then share results with us, for further advice on how to optimise them (if required).

[Buddy195 Administrator in reply to Dodds]

As Jaydee1507 replied, antibody testing will show if your thyroid condition is auto immune, ie if you have Hashimotos. Optimal key vitamins support thyroid health, so it is recommended to test folate, ferritin, B12 and vitamin D.

[Agitator23 in reply to Buddy195]

I have autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto's) without antibodies - so far. Diagnosed by ultrasound scan.

[Dodds in reply to Agitator23]

I'm still notclear if it's important to know and if treatment is different? I've booked a blood test nhs as have also been experiencing hypo type symptoms just after eating and I'm not diabetic but searched and found there is a correlation between diabetes and Hypothyroidism. Does anyone have any knowledge in this respect?

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Recommended that all thyroid blood tests early morning, ideally just before 9am, only drink water between waking and test and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before 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

Test vitamin levels at least annually

Many, many thyroid patients need to supplement to maintain good vitamin levels

20% of Hashimoto's patients never have raised antibodies

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

Paul Robson on atrophied thyroid - especially if no TPO antibodies

paulrobinsonthyroid.com/cou...

Gluten intolerance is often a hidden issue with Hashimoto’s

Request coeliac blood test BEFORE considering trial on strictly gluten free diet

[bikebabe]

Dodds - I’m puzzled. shouldn’t you doctor be sending you to endocrinologist to test for genetic forms of hypothyroidism. I have pendreds - one of many conditions causing hypothyroidism that isnt hashimotos.

[Dodds]

I've finally managed to get a face to face with my gp in 2weeks. I have seen an endo specialist a few years ago who basically did checked for a goitre and then discharged me. Thyroid I think is not a subject they are very interested in. I've since read about childhood Thyroid problems myself and I tick some boxes for symptoms such as delayed secondary teeth, jaundice and delayed puberty of which I experienced all three. So I clearly have had this for many years

[serenfach]

You are legally entitled to all your notes from your GP and the Endo. They have to be done separately, a letter to your GP asking for them, and one to the hospital. Phone the hospital and ask where to send as the notes are sometimes kept in another place. This may give you an idea if you were ever "officially" diagnosed, but will also give you your blood results. Feel free to stick the results here for further help. The notes may only go back a few years though.

The more important thing is how you are feeling now. As SlowDragon has said, get a full blood test and stick the results here and this brilliant forum can help further. Unfortunately we cannot rely on GPs or Endos to know anything much about the thyroid!