Subclinical hypothyroidism? Advice for GP appointment this week please

[annie2374]

Hi everyone!

I first posted earlier in the year (have updated my bio), and a CT/PET scan has confirmed I have thyroiditis but my blood are coming back largely in the normal range (see below, split between GP tests and MMH tests). I am experiencing many symptoms (weight +5kgs, cold, fatigue, pressure/discomfort in my neck, swollen neck and hypertension), but my latest TSH (29/10) is in the normal range for the tests here in Somerset (4.05 mu/l, range 0.38-5.33). I also tested positive for TPO antibodies (263.6 KU/L in June). I take Candesartan 4mg for the blood pressure.

The main change I've made is dietary (thanks to advice here!), in that I've drastically reduced my gluten intake since August so I'm feeling much better than if eat a normal level of gluten. I think that's the only thing helping to keep the bloods at this level.

They have noted in my records I have a goitre and I'm seeing the GP this week, and I hope they will start me on some levothyroxine, even as a trial. I'm nervous about arguing for it because of my bloods and was just wondering if anyone could give me advice about approaching that with them? Should this be easy or could it be hard to persuade them to try to get my TSH down the range? What kind of starting level should I ask for? Any advice will help!

Many thanks

Tests results were

May June Aug Sep Oct

TSH (0.38-5.33) 4.53 4.53 4.05

TSH (MMH) (0.27-4.2) 5.07 3.92

FT4 (7.9-20) 8.9

FT4 (12-22) MMH 11.5 12.6

FT3 (4.0-6) 4.8

FT3 (3.1-6.8) MMH 3.6 4.5

[helvella Administrator]

This is a link to a very good article in the British Medical Journal discussing what the 'normal range' really is. Very readable.

The normal range: it is not normal and it is not a range

This blog has the abstract of this paper plus link to the original full paper. Also includes some extra links to a video and some other related information.

Last updated 03/10/2024

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