Thyroid and Goitre

[lloydjam]

HI

Im currently receiving a small dose of thrroxine as have recently been diagnosed with hypothyroidism. My GP sent me for an ultrasound last friday and the radiologist said that I have a goitre (I have noticed my neck being uncomfortable for a while). My GP is calling back tomorrow but I would be grateful for some advice as to what I should be asking for or next steps ??

I have read that this could be a sign of Hashimotos disease in which case I think I should ask for my antibody levels to be checked but do you know if this routinely needs a biopsy etc??

All advice gratefully received - I just want to be prepared when I speak to her ! I have also been having some sort of period continually for 2 months now which I also want to ask about and i think may be linked.

thank you !

Bump

I don't know much about goitres but I have hashimotos and sometimes feel like there is pressure at the front of my neck. Has the GP checked for antibodies via blood test?

I think your periods are a symptom of the thyroid, mine were almost constant and v heavy until the medication got to the appropriate level.

Thanks therine - no im hoping that will be the next step, do you mind me asking what are your symtoms and how do they difer from hypothyroidism?

I'm so no expert but I went to the GP with absolute exhaustion, anxiety, a constant headache, feeling cold all the time, weight gain and really heavy/ extended periods. The first blood test didn't include the antibodies test, but a few months in I was tested for antibodies and they were v high so I got referred to a consultant. Only then did he ask about my health over the previous few years. About 18 months ago I lost about two stone in a couple of months but I put it down to breast feeding, and i'd also had diarrhoea- type symptoms for a few months Turns out that often hashimotos starts with a hyper stage, hence the weight loss etc, then turns to hypo.

After 9 months I've finally got the meds to the right level. I think the problem with hashimotos is that the TSH / T3 /T4 levels can fluctuate depending on the antibody level, so medication requirements can change too. I'm trying to learn to be aware so I can control it better.

You should definitely ask for your GP to test antibodies, and also ask for vitamin d and iron levels to be tested as i think being hypothyroid makes you more prone to vitamin deficiencies.

There are some proper experts on MN so I hope they will find this thread - I've had such great help on here

Good evening

The only way to tell if you have Hashis, which is auto immune, is to check your antibodies. Forget the range - if you have antibodies, you have Hashis. If the antibodies are within range it just means they are taking a break from destroying your thyroid.

How much thyroxine are you taking and do you have any idea what your results were when you were diagnosed?

Chances are the period thing is related and will settle when you are properly medicated.

D

Thank you everyone.

My TSH was 7 and T4 was 14.0. Im annoyed about the bleeding as I have had the coil in for 2 years with absolutely nothing. I will ask about the antibody testing tomorrow. Im only on 25mg thyroxine which i know isnt a lot.

Can I ask are there any other sinsiter causes of the goitre i should be aware about?

I have read that this could be a sign of Hashimotos disease in which case I think I should ask for my antibody levels to be checked but do you know if this routinely needs a biopsy etc??

No biopsy, it is a blood test but they took a large amount from what I remember (the day before they had taken 8 files of blood and done another painful test so the antibody test was simple and easy.

I have high antibodies but not hashis