Hypothyroidism

[FanjoTimeMammariesAndWine]

My mum is 74 and has recently been depressed, anxious and forgetful. Just really low and not herself. Sometimes she is worse than others and this coincides with her T4 level being about 5.4-5.5.

I know hypothyroidism can mimic dementia in elderly. It is odd I can predict how high her levels are by her behaviour. Does anyone know if this level is significant and could be causing her problems?

I am disinclined to think dementia as she is still a technical whiz on her PC etc...she just seems mildly confused and not herself.

Her Gp just keeps wanting to wait and retest.

Any help gratefully received :)

Sorry I think I mean TSH is 5.4..not sure of the tests.

Is it the tsh that's 5.5?
Has she been tested for antibodies?
Does she have high cholesterol? Low body temperature? Slow pulse? Those could indicate a thyroid problem
Afaik there is evidence that older people have a naturally higher tsh, although no-one knows why,so it could be normal for her, or it could be a thyroid problem
Would the GP consider a trial of levothyroxine?

Is it the tsh that's 5.5?
Has she been tested for antibodies?
Does she have high cholesterol? Low body temperature? Slow pulse? Those could indicate a thyroid problem
Afaik there is evidence that older people have a naturally higher tsh, although no-one knows why,so it could be normal for her, or it could be a thyroid problem
Would the GP consider a trial of levothyroxine?

I think it is the TSH..her level was just slightly above the normal range.

Not sure if they tested for antibodies. Maybe that is something to ask for.

Her cholesterol is Ok. She isnt that cold but has gained weight without eating more.

I think she is going to ask for a trial. I dont think it will hurt.

My mum has similar readings, the GP just keeps testing, she won't ask about the antibodies etc as 'doctor knows best'. It's frustrating as she has quite a few symptoms. My dad's tsh is below 2. I know they say a lot of older people have a higher tsh but it doesn't seem true for my dad. Hard :(

My mum has similar readings, the GP just keeps testing, she won't ask about the antibodies etc as 'doctor knows best'. It's frustrating as she has quite a few symptoms. My dad's tsh is below 2. I know they say a lot of older people have a higher tsh but it doesn't seem true for my dad. Hard :(

It is very frustrating. What are your mum's symptoms?

Some of it is not noticeable unless you know my mum! So she's less interested in things, less energetic, gets tired more easily. But also weight gain and high cholesterol, heart palpitations and anxiety. Trouble is, that could be part of the ageing process, or something else. Really hard to say. I am hypo, and my mums levels, at 5.5, are suspicious to say the least, but not so bad that the GP will treat :(
Of course, I don't want her to be treated and go hyper either!

Some of it is not noticeable unless you know my mum! So she's less interested in things, less energetic, gets tired more easily. But also weight gain and high cholesterol, heart palpitations and anxiety. Trouble is, that could be part of the ageing process, or something else. Really hard to say. I am hypo, and my mums levels, at 5.5, are suspicious to say the least, but not so bad that the GP will treat :(
Of course, I don't want her to be treated and go hyper either!

When my mum first started to have these problems she had palpitations and anxiety too, really badly.

Have realised I have many many symptoms myself..low..sluggish, lethargic, achey, so should prob prob get tested too.

I had palpitations and anxiety when my pulse rate was 160 with an overactive Thyoid. When I was overdosed with the carbimazole, I was sluggish, put on weight after losing loads when Hyper, and had no palpitations when Hypo. I don't know any of my blood values during that time.

ps Thyroid

You can have palpitations with hypo apparently

5,5 is already over the UK max and many other countries now have about 3,5 as the upper limit. I would feel dreadful with a TSH that high. Yes, she should ask for some thyroxine.

I think mine was made inert, as was asked "You don't drink do you? You're slurring your speech, must be those tablets your taking".

oops again You're

Yes I think its time she got assertive!

how awful digerd, hope you are OK now!

Fanjo That was decades ago and eventually had the subtotal Thyroidectomy 4 years later. Now grown back to normal size. Thanks for asking.