Recent TSH blood test result is 2.11 but I believe I have underactive thyroid symptoms and don't know how to approach my GP.

I have gradually gained weight despite a healthy diet (not delusional) which I just cannot lose. I am constantly fatigued, sleep badly, have aching joints and muscles, dry eyes and mouth, my eyebrows have thinned, I have hardly any armpit hair, my head hair is thin and receding, I have dry skin, achilles problems, feel so cold that I have to have central heating on constantly and often have to take a hot bath to try and warm up. I suffer from hoarseness from time to time and my big toenail and thumbnails are flaking or detach from nailbed. I feel really down as I am being sent to see osteopaths and rheumatologists who also do blood tests and just give vague diagnosis of 'mild arthritis' and a frozen shoulder. They keep throwing painkillers at me and that's it. I am so down. I have an appointment with GP and although I have gone with these symptoms on separate visits, Im not sure they are being considered as a whole. I have eyedrops, mouthdrops anti anflammatories, painkillers dry skin cream but no real answers or help! What do others think? I would be grateful of any advice as I feel so useless. Many thanks.

[Femme1]

You sound just like me, this condition runs in my family and my TSH was 2.59 last time. I too have visited doc on numerous ocassions with similar symptoms, only to be told my thyroid is great ! I sent off for a blue horizon blood test as doctor refused to test T3 and antibodies etc, and when resultscame back, t3 and t4 were right at the bottom of healthy range. However, the doctor said I was still not hypo thyroid and suggested M.E (I am positive its thyroid) Any way I am due back at the doctors on friday and am going to suggest a referral to an endocrinologist, private of NHS so currently researching ones to suggest! If the doctor wont listen after repeat visits and bloods, I believe this is the next logical course of action. Worth getting private blood tests , they may sway your GP to help if this is the problem ?

[Hidden in reply to Femme1]

Thank you for relating your experience. I have to see GP next Monday and will ask for a referral. Since reading this website. I have tried the pinch test. I cannot pinch my skin, but my friend can pinch hers (we are same age and of similar weight). Also I have an enlarged tongue with slight scalloping, which I thought was where it rests on my teeth. I'm not looking for symptoms to suit my condition and this is why I fear mentioning I have researched to the GP as he has a tendency to get angry if patients mention the internet. I will go for private blood tests if he refuses me an appointment with an endocrinologist.