I have red palms and have done for a couple of years. They get so red peole ask what I have done to my hands? Over the last few years I have started to suffer with fatigue terribly...at least 3 times a week I crash with fatigue where i stumble into bed in the afternoon and wake after 2/3 hours not knowing what time it is. I also get sweaty suddenly all over now and then. I have elevated bp and cholesterol. I have gained weight over past few years as I am less active and crave carbs. I suffered with endometriosis and adenomyosis for 15 years and had a radical hysterectomy aged 40 and I'm now 53. I've just been diagnosed with arthritis. Hands are quite clawed especially on waking and painful hips and lower back. I've had blood tests done and they come back normal. I'm convinced I have thyroid issues but nothing shows. I am not sure what to do. Any views would be most appreciated, thanks.
Thyroid issues?: I have red palms and have done... - Thyroid UK
Thyroid issues?
Welcome to the forum mixedspice
So we can offer better advice, can you share any blood test results (with ranges in brackets) for:
TSH
FT3
FT4
Plus any antibody and key vitamin tests (ferritin, folate, vitamins D and B12)
If your GP is unable to complete all the above (eg if TSH is within range, some surgeries may not be able to access FT4 and FT3 tests), you could look to do this privately, as many forum members do, for a better picture of your thyroid health:
thyroiduk.org/help-and-supp...
Thank you for your prompt reply. I didn't get any results I was just told they had come back normal. But thank you I have another appointment next week with GP and can ask about this. I have been given a script for antidepressants but I don't think this is the issue. I think my thyroid health is compromised in some way especially with the sticky sweats I get and the crashing fatigue and joint aches. Thanks for getting back to me so quickly.
Thank you for your prompt reply. I didn't get any results I was just told they had come back normal.
what time of day was test done
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.
This currently only applies in England, not across the whole of the UK. Nether Scotland nor N.Ireland have released an NHS app for patients. (Scotland supposedly due in December '24.) Wales has an app, but only for booking appointments, repeat prescriptions and amending personal details
Link re access
patients-association.org.uk...
healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...
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.
For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 tested
Also both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested at least once
You need thyroid antibodies tested especially as you have endometriosis
Far too often only TSH tested by GP
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
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)
NHS only tests TG antibodies if TPO are high
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)
Thanks for taking the time to explain this. It is a bit of a mindfield an needs careful consideration.
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
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...
Medichecks and BH also offer private blood draw at clinic near you, or private nurse to your own home…..for an extra fee
Only do private testing early Monday or Tuesday morning.
Tips on how to do DIY finger prick test
support.medichecks.com/hc/e...
Thank you..this is very helpful for when I visit my GP soon
Strongly recommend you get hold of copies of test results BEFORE appointment
See EXACTLY what has been tested
Then you will know what hasn’t YET been tested
You need
TSH, Ft4 and Ft3
Both TPO and TG antibodies
Vitamin D, folate, B12 and ferritin
I had a search and an overactive thyroid can cause red palms. The other symptoms sound more like under activity, bar the sweating.
I had mixed symptoms, some were like yours and had atrophic autoimmune thyroiditis it has no goitre at all and periods of over and under activity. A blood test might catch it or might not. I had real trouble getting a diagnosis.
Good you’re on here and can get support. Getting your results is important as others have already advised as they can be significant but not correctly interpreted by medics.
I’d keep a diary of your symptoms too so you can see any patterns - knowledge is power.
There’s some info about it here, it’s not always an easy read, but it’s the best info out there the blog has lots of posts on all things thyroidal:
thyroidpatients.ca/2018/12/...
Good idea about the diary. I'll start this. I feel I've found the right place here to consider variables etc. Many thanks x
I think I commadeered a Miriam Stoppard diary for menstrual symptoms. I photocopied it and put my prefered symptoms in instead I think I ticked the boxes initially then started scoring 0-10 instead which gave a better picture than yes or no.
Hi,
My name is Sharon and I am 74 and have Hashi, Scleroderma, Polycythemia, Allergic Angioedema and Mast Cell besides some other autoimmune conditions that are not active now. When my hands get red it is a sign for me of Polycythemia. Your bones make too many red blood cells and they are like fat jelly shaped donuts that clog your arteries and can cause blood clots, strokes and heart attack if not treated in sometime over a year. Can't remember because I had a good doctor who diagnosed me but recommended me to a bad doctor and it happened 8 yrs ago. Made my own way to a Hematologist in Columbia Presbyterian- NYC- by the way that is where I live- would treat me in a non- harmful way not with old chemo drugs which are not even useful. No Chemo. If your hands are red, your skin is too pink-although if you are a person who has more pigment hard to tell, and your skin feels crawly look at your Hematocrit. If it is high that was the sign for my doctors. Also the shapes of the blood cells are off. Forget the tests- you will have them or your doc will know. Luckily I don't have the severe kind. Mine is controlled with my doctor taking between a pint of blood or somewhat less and I feel better right away and after 2 days much better. There are different kinds of Polycythemia and luckily mine is not as bad as the genetic kind such as ones that Ashkenasi Jews have along with other types of genetic Poly. They don't know where mine comes from. I go for treatment when I start feeling like I can't do anything, no energy, and pain all over. Just want to sleep. Finally realize and call the doc and get blood out. Usually every 3 months but sometimes 4. I have read in medical journals that symptoms are similar to Sickle Cell but it is not the same disease. Good luck with your investigation! And I hope you feel better soon!
Sharon
Thanks for your reply, Sharon. This is is helpful and I am sorry to hear you have such a long list of things going on. I'm pleased you're getting to the bottom.of things though. I shall have a read up on polycythemia. Many thanks once again.
I hope you feelbetter soon.
And you too 🌼 🌸 🌻
These links might be helpful - they both describe a condition called palmar erythema :
dermnetnz.org/topics/palmar...
webmd.com/skin-problems-and...
I've read these thanks. It is interesting how 60% people who are diagnosed with RA have this. I wonder if I have RA rather than/as well as osteoarthritis?
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