Subclinical Hypothyroidism Reassurance/guidance

[Peanutdog]

Hi Everyone,

I am looking for some reassurance and guidance.

I had a blood test in June 2024 that showed a high TSH level. This came about because of a trip to the doctor because of a delayed period and fatigue. I had also been worried that my hair was falling out. Please see results table below.

Test Range, Result

NHS, June 2024

Serum Ferritin 13-150 ug/L 41

Serum total 25-OH Vit D 50-374 nmol/L 46

Serum TSH Level 0.27-4.20mu/L 6.42

Serum Free T4 Level 11-22pmol/L 17

Monitor My Health, Nov 2024

Serum Ferritin

Serum total 25-OH Vit D No range given 46

Serum TSH Level 0.27-4.20mu/L 5.35

Serum Free T4 Level 12-22pmol/L 15

Free T3 Level 3.1-6.8pmol/L 4.3

TPO - 13 IU/ml, Negative

Test for Ferritin, B12 and Folate failed due to error in sample collection

NHS, January 2025

Serum Ferritin Not tested

Serum total 25-OH Vit D Not tested

Serum TSH Level 0.27-4.20mu/L 4.77

Serum Free T4 Level 11-22pmol/L 15.6

Since this first blood test I have become more conscious of my body and how I feel, but I am now worried I am over thinking everything. I have complied a list of symptoms with approximate dates below.

- Began to be worried about hair loss, October 2023

- Intermittent night sweats, January 2024

- Extreme tiredness, May 2024

- Weak, brittle nails with vertical ridges, first noticed August 2024

- I have also noticed that I am less able to concentrate and more anxious that I used to be

- Intermittent tummy aches, below the rib cage and above the belly button.

- Often bloated after eating

I had another blood test at the end of January as I broke out in an extremely itchy rash on my forearms, hands and lower legs/shins on boxing day. I was prescribed anti-biotics for folliculitis however this did not clear it up. I have been using emollient creams and whilst this has improved some areas the severity of the rash seems to come and go in waves, however it is no longer keeping me up at night with the itching. I have done a test for coeliac disease which came back negative.

I’ve finally had a follow up doctor’s appointment where he suggested I continued with the emollients and anti-histamines for the rash and asked if I wanted to trial Levothyroxine for 6 months. I agreed as I am fed up of feeling rubbish all the time, however I am now having doubts as the thought of being on medication for the test of my life is scary! With this in mind I am wondering if a better first step would be to optimise my vitamin levels before trailing Levothyroxine. I have ordered another private blood test to test folate, B12 and vitamin D, hopefully I will have more luck this time!

What are people’s thoughts and experiences?

Thanks in advance for all your help!

[Sasah]

This sounds really similar to my storey. I had an hemi thyroidectomy and have raised TSH, low T4 and now tested parathyroid glands and thatbis raised and hyper! I am loosing hair and lots and lots of breakage. The stress is consuming me and i can barely function. Can't get GP appoinment for a month i am at my wits end. Constand blood tests then find out i should've asked for other bloods. Trying to figure it all out myself feel so depresses and anxious.

[SlowDragon Ambassador]

Request GP do FULL thyroid including thyroid antibodies

And request full iron panel test including ferritin, vitamin D, folate and B12

Exactly what vitamin supplements are you taking

How old are you

Peri menopause?

Post menopause?

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 your hypothyroidism is autoimmune

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)

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...

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...

If you normally take levothyroxine at bedtime/in night ...adjust timings as follows prior to blood test