Hyperthyroidism: I have been diagnosed with... - Thyroid UK

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Hyperthyroidism

dollypurple profile image
9 Replies

I have been diagnosed with Hyperthyroidism a few days ago. My TSH was low (0.02) it should be 0.4 and over. But can the doctor detect hyper before seeing my t3 and t4 blood test? Ive been crying ever since, I dont want to lose weight.. the doctor put me on carbimazole 5mg and propranolol 40mg. Im current trying for a baby, the other tests shows i have PCOS, 2 fibroids and a cyst, my world is shattered.

I was also wondering, instead of medication can i use something natural to heal me?

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dollypurple profile image
dollypurple
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9 Replies
PurpleNails profile image
PurpleNailsAdministrator

Welcome to forum

Sorry to hear of your worries.

No, your doctor can’t really diagnose you hyper before seeing FT4 & FT3 results.

Your TSH might be low & that very often means thyroid levels are high but sometimes they are low. (The TSH doesn’t reflect levels in expected way). This can be due to a pituitary or hypothalamus issue. That would be rare but without more investigation no one can know where your FT4 & FT3 are. Even if FT4 & FT3 are high over range it could also be temporary.

If FT4 & FT3 are fluctuating, which is common in early stage autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto’s) you may not need an antithyroid because level can drop & gradually become low in the long run. In which case you would need replacement not an anti thyroid.

Drs should really investigate the cause of suspected hyper & ensure it from a continuous condition. You’ve also been put on an extremely low carbimazole dose, because your dr doesn’t know levels they are guessing. If the levels were very high & continuously rising, 5mg very likely wouldn’t be enough.

Have you been referred to endocrinology?

Has dr arranged repeat test & any thyroid antibodies? GP can request TPO antibodies sometimes TG antibodies. There are private options if dr not arranging this quickly. By finger prick sample & via post.

If drs suspects Graves the most common cause of continuous hyper it’s important to test TRab or TSI antibodies. Often a hospital specialist has to arrange this test.

What were your symptoms?

Propranolol is often prescribed along with carbimazole as help with symptoms such as palpitations. Always reduce propranolol dose slowly. Long term use can lower magnesium so consider adding a supplement.

Important to test folate, ferritin, B12 & vitamin D. These can be affected when thyroid abnormal.

If your levels are high you’ll need medication to control them, there are no natural remedies will not effectively manage them.

This must be a terrible shock for you & it’s natural to think of the worst outcome but you need to know more before worrying about further treatments.

dollypurple profile image
dollypurple in reply toPurpleNails

Can I not have any Thyroid issue but my TSH is low? Other than Thyroid issues what can cause it to be low

PurpleNails profile image
PurpleNailsAdministrator in reply todollypurple

What important to understand is the TSH can lag behind what levels are doing so it’s very unreliable.

The TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) is a pituitary hormone not a thyroid hormone. The TSH signals the thyroid to lower or increase thyroid production.

If the feed back loop is working & responding normally low TSH means FT4 & FT3 levels are too high. TSH rises to signal thyroid to work harder if FT4 & FT3 are too low.

It’s really the FT4 & FT3 which tells you how your thyroid is functioning.

Buddy195 profile image
Buddy195Administrator

Welcome to the forum dollypurple, We are a friendly, supportive group and are here to help.

I would 100% insist on full thyroid testing (FT4 and FT3 in addition to TSH), plus key thyroid vitamins (folate, ferritin, B12 and vit D) and correct antibody tests;

 Graves Disease (hyperthyroidism) needs to be confirmed via positive TRab or TSI:

TRab

TSH receptor antibodies

TSI

Thyroid-Stimulating Immunoglobulin

TPO & TG antibodies may be Graves or Hashimotos.

 TPOab

Thyroid Peroxidase antibodies

TGab

Thyroglobulin antibodies

Buddy195 profile image
Buddy195Administrator

Keep posting and asking questions, but don’t ’over do’ Google searches as this often shows worse case scenarios. Having a thyroid condition is an emotional experience, so go easy on yourself.

Share any blood tests with us (when you have them) and do include ranges, as these can vary between laboratories.

You may find it useful to start a journal, to jot down any symptoms you experience. I found this helpful to discuss with medics.

We don’t advise taking any supplements without testing key vitamins first (& sharing results with us).

Juli_a profile image
Juli_a in reply toBuddy195

Buddy195 thank you, I 100% agree on journalling symptoms, doses, tests. Every time I spoke with my doctor I forgot to mention something only to remember later, so I will be writing everything down from now on.

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAmbassador

Im current trying for a baby, the other tests shows i have PCOS, 2 fibroids and a cyst

Are you currently taking any vitamin supplements

If so what EXACTLY

Definitely get ALL thyroid antibodies tested and Ft4, Ft3 and vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 as detailed by Buddy195

Request GP test these

Or test privately

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

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...

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...

Link about Graves’ disease

thyroiduk.org/hyperthyroid-...

Graves Disease antibodies test via Medichecks

Has to be private blood draw not DIY finger prick test

medichecks.com/products/tsh...

Hashimoto’s frequently starts with temporary hyper type symptoms and results before becoming increasingly hypothyroid

Juli_a profile image
Juli_a

Hello dollypurple, welcome! Please know there is support available. I echo all the comments above much more experienced than mine. please ask you GP for full thyroid panel: TSH, FT3, FT4, and antibodies TPOab and Trab. Technichally GP may have already initiated them, but double check with them. These tests, if out of range will get you a referral to endocrinology and a correct diagnosis. Endocrinology will then advise on the right dose and right treatment if needed. But GP can manage thyroid conditions too while you wait on endo waiting list if there is one.

I'm right at the start of my own journey with hyperthyroidism, which also coincided with trying for a baby, which postponed until I stabilise. Stay calm, get the tests, then get the diagnosis and advise on treatment. These things are overwhelming at first but manageable with correct care.

There is no robust evidence for herbal medicine treating thyroid.

This forum is a great source of knowledge and support too. Keep speaking and posting if you have any questions. I'll be posting my 2 month update and questions again soon.

Also I recommend getting NHS app where you can view your test results. They are much easier to track that way.

HealthyBefore profile image
HealthyBefore

Hi Dolly, it is not rare to have PCOS and thyroid issues, as these can both be autoimmune diseases. When you have one you often have another. You must get your thyroid antibodies checked Trab, to see if this is the case. In addition the 3rd condition at this autoimmune party is often coeliacs. PLease get the simple blood test for that too.

I know its all a shock but these conditions run in our family and forwarned is forearmed. You will be able to work out the best means of getting pregnant once you have assessed these issues, as they can all cause difficulties in getting pregnant. However there are ways of getting past them, so please stay positive.

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