To be utterly fed up with a year of tests and no resolve?

[LostTheMarble]

Prefacing this with absolutely no looking for an online diagnosis! I’m quite certain there’s an issue with my thyroid but after a year of testing and a few years of feeling like hell I’m at the end of my tether. Bit of a long one for background…

Symptoms have been mainly weight issues (I was 14 stone 4 but over the last year have managed to drop to 11 stone 9), a heavy menstrual cycle that is >14 days even taking the contraceptive pill (before my last child had no issue, then two miscarriages before having him), severe hair loss (a balding patch, thinning, breaking off completely at the front which looks like I’ve given myself the worst diy fringe!), my eyebrows have half gone, racing heart , concentration completely gone to the point of doing some stupid things and recently unusual amount of anxiety/panic attacks.

I’m in my late 30s, last year I initially asked for a thyroid and hormone test. I suspected the former due to a family history of hypothyroidism and I have another autoimmune disease (though as far they go, I have the least worrying one going!). Hormone level was normal so not peri, thyroid function ok but antibodies high. Tested again a few weeks later and same results. Was told to rebook a blood test for another 6 months, and after a long wait just to talk to a gp to rebook a blood test (it’s getting ridiculous at this point), was told again my antibodies are high but normal TSH and to wait another year before retesting. The only prescription was for vitamins, but considering my menstrual cycle low iron and folic is symptomatic not a causation at this point.

I have accessed my NHS account, my antibodies are at 86 and TSH at 0.42 (which suggests borderline hyperthyroidism??). No tests for T3 or T4.

So, if you have bared with me this far - I have asked the doctor to actually call me back to discuss this rather than ignore me for another year (not once had a face to face appointment about the issues, another phone call). Would I be unreasonable to ask for a full blood test to include T3 and 4? Or does anyone with thyroid issues think this is something that can wait another year and should just take the vitamins in the meantime?

Anyone? Or I’ll just accept I am unreasonable 🤣

What are your iron levels. Needs to be above 70 for good hair growth.

Yes good to check thyroid too.

Blue Horizon do various blood tests if needed

What’s your B12 levels too?

Look for an endocrinologist, a naturopath and a functional doctor. I sympathise.

I had a whole year (the absolute worst year of my life) of 'specialists' rolling their eyes at me, telling me in patronising tones that I was a new mum, looking sceptical when I answered truthfully that I didn't really drink etc.

Keep on it, you know your own body. If I had accepted their sarcastic responses I'd be dead, I'd stage 4 cancer (not suggesting that you do). Autoimmune are the hardest to get help for.

I suspect for primary care if the TSH is normal - which yours is then the lab will not then do a T4 or T3 as this is considered normal thyroid function.
Was it TPO abx that were positive? Or TRAB
To have a positive abx is not uncommon in the general population and does not mean that you will definitely develop an under active thyroid
It is correct to follow up and monitor, some people will go on to become under active
A lot of your symptoms do sound like they could be linked to low iron levels, hair loss and palpitations are common. I’d have a look at controlling periods and replacing iron fully