Should my son be tested for thyroid problems?

[lilibet]

I was diagnosed back in the 90s with Hashimoto's underactive thyroid and have been taking thryoxine ever since. My question is should I have my son tested for the same? I have always been advised that this was unnecessary and affects females more than males. Appreciate your comments

[helvella Administrator]

Is there any reason not to? Other than the cost of the test (whether that is on the NHS or private, there is a cost somewhere).

What on earth does 'unnecessary' mean? As I see it, if it came back negative then it would not have been necessary, and if it came back positive it would have been necessary, But how do you know without doing the test... ?

Of course it is known that there is a strong gender bias. But I think that relatedness to someone with Hashimoto's might be an even stronger risk factor. (I'd have to check that out - not certain at the moment.)

You are obviously concerned about the possibility. The only way that concern will be relieved is to get him tested. If nothing else it might provide a baseline for any future tests he might have.

You don't mention his age - I assume he is somewhat older than a babe in arms? Maybe even adult? Regardless, I think it would be sensible.

All the best

Rod

[Tango2 in reply to helvella]

have an anti-body test, there is no point in wondering. 5 members of my family are on thyroid replacement. if you can catch it early you could save him a lot of trouble.

jonny

[lilibet in reply to helvella]

thankyou for your replies - My son is nearly 18 years old and has already had health problems (not related to thyroid) so on asking medical advise was told 'it is not necessary' and wanted to avoid for him where possible additional tests.

However, I will go ahead would just like to know is the anti-body test sufficient or also Tsh-T3-T4 etc..?

[Tango2 in reply to helvella]

if you can, have all 4. the bigger the picture the better, it will give you peace of mind if you can eliminate Hashimoto's. i should have done this at his age, so i would advise you to test. your GP may be against it, if so find a private lab. don't let doctors dictate,

they are there to assist you in your health...and if you are on the NHS, you have paid for it.

jonny

[lilibet in reply to helvella]

thanks for your advice - will get my son tested.

[Tango2 in reply to helvella]

samedaydoctor.co.uk/index.aspx

i am guessing that you are in the uk.

these guys have several drop in centers in london, basingstoke, manchester and edinburgh.

no doctor referral, TSH, T4, T3 and thyroid antibodies. I think a doctor looks at your result and telephones you.

if you ring them say Hailey quoted £250 over the phone to me.

i have had tests with this lab

hope this helps

[Angela]

I also have been on thyroxin for 10 years have 5 daughters tow got tested because thy where preganent they where fine one of my girls was tested was boarder line over active when thy retested it was fine if you are concerned for ur peace of mind I would have the test done wishing you all the best .Angela

[lilibet in reply to Angela]

Thanks Angela for your comment and as you say it's peace of mind and of course my son's well being.