Complete newbie - what are my next steps with "... - Thyroid UK

Thyroid UK

141,244 members166,489 posts

Complete newbie - what are my next steps with "borderline" underactive thyroid?

craftygirl profile image
8 Replies

Will try to keep this short! I went to see the GP in May 2012 as I have been suffering with very heavy periods since my youngest child was born almost 5 years ago. She sent me for an ultrasound which diagnosed a fibroid, and did a blood test which said I was anaemic and that my thyroid function was "borderline". Got medication for the heavy bleeding and started on iron tablets, with instruction to return in 6 months for another blood test, which I did in December 2012.

Thyroid is still "borderline" and I have been asked to go back in June to have it checked again. However, I have been reading around about this (had never even heard of a thyroid before June last year) and I have many of the symptoms associated with underactive thyroid - tiredness, loss of libido, cramps, dry skin, eczema, constipation, heavy periods, mild depression, tearfulness etc etc etc. I'm not sure though whether all of this is down to my thyroid - show me any mother of three young children who ISN'T permanently knackered and often tearful.

So anyway. I am coming to think this thyroid thing could be what's causing some of my symptoms. Back to the GP? Hospital referral? Self-management? Not sure where to go next.

Written by
craftygirl profile image
craftygirl
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
8 Replies
helvella profile image
helvellaAdministrator

First thing, I suggest, is to get your actual test results- including reference ranges. Have a look here:

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/NHS_In...

We have seen so many people being told "borderline" or "within range" and, when we see the actual results, realise that is not accurate (in our views).

Rod

craftygirl profile image
craftygirl

Ok will do. Didn't think to actually ask for numbers!

helvella profile image
helvellaAdministrator in reply tocraftygirl

Who does at the time? Certainly very few at their first tests.

By the way, if you use Reply to this then the person you are responding to gets an alert!

Jackie profile image
Jackie

Hi Years ago , when I first started treatment, the only visible sign of bad Hypo was very low Free T3. the test was standard then. and causing all my symptoms. Make sure that you have had TSH T4 and Free T3 tested. i think it is possible you may have only had TSH done, not a good judge,of what is really happening. penny pinching!You need your energy so, if needed be powerful!

Jackie

Heloise profile image
Heloise in reply toJackie

chriskresser.com/low-t3-syn...

Jackie, I've been reading about low T3 syndrome, and this segment about the significance especially of low Free T3 is reviewed in this article. Maybe it would interest you because it does state that it seems T3 is beneficial for cardiac patients.

Jackie profile image
Jackie in reply toHeloise

Heloise,

That is very interesting , thank you.I am lucky as I have a brilliant endo but when in hospital, loads of times and how I hate it! I will not " allow" a thyroid test, I did once years ago and it was a night mare!

Heloise profile image
Heloise in reply toJackie

I totally understand. I could not remember from reading some of your responses whether doctors didn't want you to be on T3 and I thought maybe it was reassuring to know that it is beneficial in cardiac cases. The article also mentioned that low T3 may have nothing to do with thyroid but of some other underlying illness, like Lyme disease. As usual, it only makes it more difficult to get an accurate diagnosis. Sometimes I wonder if I should just stop reading:)

Jackie profile image
Jackie in reply toHeloise

I think it is very interesting and have printed it off , to study. I always think with medicine ,the more knowledge the better.

Best wishes,

Jackie

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Borderline Underactive Thyroid

Hi I was wondering if anyone could help me out. I've been having troubles with my thyroid for about...
Leenie0811 profile image

Blood test results borderline underactive thyroid

Hi i would welcome advice as ive had symptoms of underactive thyroid for 11 years since birth of my...
spyder profile image

Joint Pain and Internal Tremors - Borderline Underactive Thyroid?

Hi all, I'm new on here having only just been prescribed Levothyroxine. About 6 months ago I...
mrspinkrat profile image

Borderline Underactive Thyroid

I am new here. A recent blood test came back as being borderline under-active. I am also B12...
soos profile image

Borderline underactive thyroid x

Hi...new here so please be gentle... I had blood done this week and it came back borderline for an...
dannib profile image

Moderation team

See all
Jaydee1507 profile image
Jaydee1507Administrator
PurpleNails profile image
PurpleNailsAdministrator
SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.