Hypothyroidism - how long from subclinical to overt

[Fuckitydoodah]

Just that really - how long before you went from subclinical to overt?

Just had 2nd lot of blood test results back, which shows that I'm currently subclinical. High level of antii-TPO antibodies, so likely hashimoto's.

Main symptoms are tiredness, weight gain and heavy periods, but I'm mid 40s so that could also be down to peri.

Doctor's recommending testing annually unless I feel worse or develop new symptoms.

One day.

My family doctor was not impressed with my slightly above range TSH, and as far as he was concerned that was that. Despite my free T3 being right at the very bottom end of “normal”. And I had turned into the world’s most lethargic slug.

Having paid €18 for the blood test I thought in for a penny in for triple digit euros and went to the nearest private endo. Managed to get a next day appointment due to a cancellation. Also plumped for an ultrasound while I was at it. Decided the next electricity bill was future me’s problem. And glad I did.

Ultrasound revealed a moth eaten thyroid on one side. Endo said given tatty thyroid image together with my symptoms AND my blood results I really needed medication to get me into the optimal range.

I went back to the GP with letter from Endo, waving image of crumbling thyroid for good measure, and got my starting dose.

Then had to go and be vampired a second time at the blood test clinic to check for Hashimoto’s. Which cost another €80.

I don’t have the antibodies. But at least I know that and don’t have to concern myself with that aspect of it.

It was not cheap, but within weeks I felt human again.

Which made me something of a zealot about life being too short to be a lethargic slug due to “normal” and optimal” not being the same thing. So I get regular thyroid blood tests to keep an eye on it.

Also, HRT is fucking fab !

But it’s no match against a thyroid that has decided to disintegrate slowly.

Couple of years and I had fairly regular blood tests 3-6 months then out of nowhere it was 80 something the dr didn't even believe the result so they tested again straight away and it was the same. I've had it years now and my biggest clue to when its out of range is if I start struggling to form sentences, its like I forget the most basic words. I have hashimotos

Thank you for taking the time to reply. It's interesting to read other's experiences.

@youalright I forgot to add brain fog to my post. I definitely struggle to form sentences some days and get my words mixed up or forget them completely. That's been going on for a few years, but again I put it down to peri.

How much did you pay to go privately and see an endocrinologist @BlooomUnleashed ? It is tempting.

It does feel like NHS GPs are too stretched to give things proper attention sometimes.

@Fuckitydoodah

I’m in Lombardia, Italy so the prices might not translate well anywhere else.

But the Endo was just over €100, the ultrasound was about another €80. The basic three Thyroid blood test is €18,20 (just done one). The Hashimoto’s test was stinkingly expensive ! About another €80

On the bright side the meds are only about 3€ a packet.

Because of where I live there are co-pays on our NHS for test, scans, consultations etc. Not all of the things for all of the people. But on the things I needed there was a ticket to pay. For the sake of speed, people being nice to me like I’m an actual real human who isn’t feeling at her best, fast results and a walkable distance (rather than a 15k drive there and back to the hospital) it was worth the difference between NHS price and local private clinic price.

I’m gearing up to look at the cost of an MRI. I was supposed to have one in 2020 when covid gave me a small stroke and an emergency CAT scan showed minor brain damage, like little holes. But ….. I can’t cope with being shoved in a scary tube AND people potentially being mean to me. But I don’t think it will be cheap. So might need to save up, Which nicely enough puts the whole thing off even longer (hurrah !)

See also the dreaded smear test. Last done in 2004 and inconclusive cos I get in a state when anybody medical goes near my Lady Garden and wriggle up the bed away from the Horrible Metal Thing much to everybody’s annoyance.

The really nice doctor who took my blood the other day does both the smear test for HPV and ye olde abnormal cells one. She was so lovely. I feel more willing to have a sheep shearing session to make the nether regions tidy and attempt a Smear Test Round 2 if she’s doing it.

I've had hypothyroidism for over 25 years, the dose went up massively when I was pregnant 24 years ago then a change of doctor and they reduced it from 200mg to 125mg which wasn't great to be honest. Then, 2 years ago I had a really horrible dose of flu and sinusitis which I couldn't budge and my thyroid was clearly all over the place again, heavy tiredness, barely functioning, forgetting words, had changed Dr again in that time as well, they've upd the dose to 175mg and that's where it appears to be staying. I'd say really put pressure on your GP , especially if you're having symptoms because many only go by the tsh level a year is too long to waste feeling dreadful, they can start you off on 25mg to see if it makes a difference

My TPO levels are high but the GP does not care about this at all, it’s only the borderline/actual hypothyroidism they started treating and discussing. I’ve asked loads of times what it means but just dismissed. Would love a system where you see someone in the area and not have to go through a generalist first.