Thyroid questions - TSH 2.5?

[OneWaySystemBlues]

I've been having problems with ectopic heart beats for the the last 7 months. I've been checked out by a cardiologist who didn't find anything sinister. I'm often tired and prone to low mood, but I have a son with SEN and a stressful life, so it's often been put down to that. I have suffered from anaemia and heavy periods in the past - at the moment I'm not anaemic but I do have low ferritin so am supplementing for that. I've had my thyroid tested several times and have always been told it's normal. However, I know thyroid problems can cause palpitations so I went back to the GP yesterday to find out what thyroid tests I've had and what the exact levels are. Turns out I've only had TSH tested and the ranges are 0.5-5.0. My level was 2.5, which she said falls in the normal range. I've been on the Thyroid UK website, which says over 2 could be an indicator of hypothyroidism, which would certainly explain how I've been feeling.

Can anyone more knowledgable than me give me some ideas of whether I should be pursuing this? And if so how? I have another blood test ordered which I'll be having soon, then I'll be going back to the doc in about a week.

You need to ask for further tests, T3 and T4. My TSH was 2.87 and the GP basically laughed me out of the consultation room. When I mentioned the Americal guidelines his reply was 'well we are not in America are we'
TUK have a list of doctors on their web site that are experts in thyroid problems, you would prpbably have to pay though.

I don't think palpitations are a common symptom of hypothyroidism. I had them due to thyroid issues, but when I was hyper, not hypo. They should check also thyroid hormones to be sure, not just TSH.

What are the tests for thyroid hormones called? Is that the T3 and T4? Topsi, what happened in the end with your GP? Did you get any treatment?

Thanks for the replies so far - very quick!

Have you had your B12 levels checked?

No, not B12. What happens with B12 deficiency?

I had palpitations with Hyperthyroidism - didn't notice them until after diagnosis though so they weren't massive. I used to be constantly at the docs because I felt as though something wasn't quite right, but they always said bloods came back normal. I once called a Thyroid Network helpline out of desperation, it's a charity based in London, the woman there was really lovely and really helpful about explaining the TSH levels and things.

Good luck with it all.

www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Anaemia-vitamin-B12-and-folate-deficiency/Pages/Symptoms.aspx

I had palpitations frequently when hyperthyroid and have had them since going hypo post-surgical removal of thyroid - but only once or twice. There is no other apparent cause for the palpitations and my GP thinks it could be thyroid. I will be asking my Endo when I next go and see him.

At my GP practice it is procedure to help hypothyroid patients get their TSH levels as close to 0.5 (bottom end of range) as possible. I have no idea why my GP will do it whilst others won't. Thyroxine does come in a range of doses other than the usual 25, 50, 100mcg. When I had my thyroid removed in March the woman in the bed next to me was taking 87.5mcg of levothyroxine each day, which suggests to me that it is possible to edge the dose around without risking over-replacement. Something to ask your GP about. There is a big debate about treating to symptoms/levels and I think it probably just comes down to finding a sympathetic GP.

A full thyroid function test consists of TSH, FT4 and FT3 results. If they are all within the normal range your doctor would usually do full blood count, ferritin and Vit D tests which are what they seem to order if you are feeling fatigued and your thyroid levels are otherwise normal.

Thanks that's very helpful. I have a blood test tomorrow and will find out next week what my TSH level is this time. She didn't order the other tests, but perhaps she'll do them if the TSH level is similar to last time. I've printed out a chart from Thyroid UK which indicates that anything over 2 needs further checking.

I've been back and forth to the GP for years with headaches, anxiety, low mood, heavy periods and now palpitations and although I don't want to have anything wrong, I'd like to know if there is because if it can be treated I'd feel so much better.

Yes if you are diagnosed and on treatment they will try and keep your TSH near 1 but if you are not thought to be hypo then they are happy for your TSH to go as high as 10 before they will treat.

Topsi, how did you get your GP to agree if he laughed at you? And did it make you feel better - in what way did things improve for you? Sorry for all the questions! But it all helps me to try and get to the bottom of why I'm feeling not right.

No I haven't been diagnosed. I have just left it for now. I did look into seeing a private Dr but have not the ££ at the moment. Will prob leave it untill autumn then get my bloods done again TSH is supposed to increase during the winter. I did get my vit B12 checked and found it was at the lower end of normal. Some chronic fatigue Dr's like to keep it right at the top end of normal so I have started supplementing. I have also tried DHEA and adrenal extracts which I think did help but I have stopped them as I would like to get my adrenals tested at some point.

Ive had high TSH readings for 9 years. 5.34 then 5.49 and 7.8.

Finally today at 8.3 and increasing fatigue and memory and concentration problems my GP has agreed to start me on a dose of 25mcg of thyroxine.

I have also had rising trygliceride levels for years and its thought this is connected.

Im hoping i start to feel better soon.

I've been on thyroxine for years. I asked my Dr to check, the result was abnormal, but abnormal in the sense it showed my thyroid wasn't working but my dose was right.

My GP also tested for Vitamin D - I was severly deficient.

Basicallly the symptoms of hypothyroid are similar to those for a lot of vitamin deficiencies so maybe more blood tests would be more use.

BTW palpitations / acing heart are usually associated with hyperthyroid, but I go into SVT when my thyroxine isn't working. But then my psoriasis gets worse in the sun so maybe my body just likes to be different.

Thats what I mean Skiing, you were having symptoms and incresed TSH 9 years ago!! They wait untill you are so ill before doing anything!