Could this really be my Thyroid

[Morello339]

I'll try to keep this brief as it's a long story.
I often have felt like I'm never well. Not sick enough to ever have to take a day off work, but just run down, headaches etc. I also have anxiety that doesn't seem to respond to meds. It isn't a rational anxiety, pure physical symptoms. Headaches, nausea, tight chest and feeling like I can't intake enough oxygen ( proven not to be an issue). I also have constant fatigue, I can sleep at any time, almost anywhere.

After years of trying everything the doctor suggested, I asked if there is any chance its linked to a physical issue, rather than mental.

She suggest possible thyroid problems, and is sending me for bloods. I googled and found lots of symptoms I have. For example, I have irregular, heavy periods, joint and muscle pain, brittle nails and pain/tingling in my left wrist and fingers. Most of those are being investigated under the gynaecologist linked to PCOS and possible endo...but could it all be my thyroid?

I have bloods don't 2 years ago, and they assure me it seemed fine then (Thyroid function test
Serum TSH level 1.30 mu/L
Serum free T4 level 9.2 ppmolL)

I guess I'm wondering whether this really could be the answer...or would I have know well before now?

That T4 is way too low, I was put on thyroxine because mine was dropping
Suspect you might find your TSH has gone up now, my T4 dropped then my TSH started rising and they said it was a sign my thyroid was struggling that the T4 dropped

Ok I’ve just checked my bloods
i was medicated at 11.4 T4, mine is now 13.8 and it’s still a bit too low for my GP (I’m with a really good GP after changing surgery)
The range on mine says 11-23

Thank you for your reply
Why is the range different for each area/GP/person?

Different lab equipment leads to different ranges. It's best to quote ranges when you post results if you want an accurate interpretation.

Thyroid function test
Serum TSH level 1.30 mu/L [0.3 -
5.0]
Serum free T4 level 9.2 pmol/L [7.9

• 16.0]

That includes the range, which makes sense why they said I was fine.

I'm going for a blood test next to see if anything has changed in the last years. Fingers crossed, I'd really like some answers

Update, I have new results. Doctor hasn't called to discuss them yet, but I've read some peer reviewed papers and spoken to some 'experts' from a thyroid charity and they seem certain it's the issue, but also mention a GP might not have the necessary knowledge, and I may need a referral to an endocrinologist.

I think I may have to look into going private of it is an option because I am drowning daily and needs answers.

These are my new results

Serum TSH level 1.73 mu/L [0.3 ⁃
5.0]
Serum free T4 level 8.3 pmol/L [7.9
⁃ 16.0]

Serum vitamin B12 level 202 ng/L
[120.0 - 900.0]

;Serum ferritin level 16 ng/mL [15.0

• 300.0]; Ferritin >15 and

<100ng/mL. With low Hb and MCV,

That T4 and ferritin is way too low
ferritin you need up to 75-100 to be optimum and your T4 has dropped since last time

I get it, I was fighting to get treatment and exhausted and being told it was fine. ended up changing doctors who did a huge amount of bloods, and I’m now on Levothyroxine and iron tablets

they’re a bit.. militant but have a look if you’re on FB at the thyroid hub and the iron protocol, they’re very helpful if you post your blood results

Thank you so much. It feels so good to get some answers, even if it isn't from the doctor !

Unrelated OP but has sleep apnoea been ruled out?

No, sleep apnoea not mentioned.I don't snore or wake myself in the night