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

[craftygirl]

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.

[helvella]

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]

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

[helvella in reply to craftygirl]

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]

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 in reply to Jackie]

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 in reply to Heloise]

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 in reply to Jackie]

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 in reply to Heloise]

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